Newcastle United have not had it easy this season.
The trend of maddeningly difficult cup draws for Eddie Howe’s side this season continued on Wednesday when they were drawn away to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Sadly, that has not been the extent of Newcastle’s problems this season. Sandro Tonali’s ban from football stretching into next season has been a major blow, while the seemingly constant injury crisis Howe has had to deal with certainly hasn’t made things any easier.
These are all things Howe is pointing towards behind the scenes, it seems.
Sven Botman’s form is another.
The defender admitted earlier this season he had suffered a serious knee injury and played on without realising. He was then ruled out for a significant period of time and is yet to get back up to his very best.
While Howe has pushed back against any criticism of the £35m Dutchman, his performance at Arsenal was not very convincing, albeit he was not alone in that.
Indeed, it seems there is an understanding about the defender’s situation right now.
Sven Botman: What Newcastle staff are thinking about defender’s form
According to iNews, there is a recognition that Botman is not yet up to full speed and that the defender would benefit from more time on the training field.
Sven Botman: Don’t rush Newcastle star
Rested for the trip to Blackburn in the FA Cup, there would appear to be little need to rush Botman back from here.
Aside from the trip to City in the cup and a potential battle to qualify for the Europa Conference League, there is little left to play for this season.
With that in mind, why rush Botman? Blood him back into the team slowly and perhaps we’ll see him get back to his best ahead of next season.
Newcastle see a bright future for the player. They must afford him time to get back to his best.
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