Sven Botman illness could open the door for Matt Targett’s Newcastle return

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Sven Botman’s international exploits have been interrupted by illness, and Newcastle United will hope he is fit and well to feature against Manchester United on Sunday.

Botman was called up to the Netherlands squad for the international break, and was hoping to make his debut for his country. However, that has not happened yet for the Newcastle defender.

He was forced to miss Friday’s game against France due to a virus. He was one of five Dutch players who were removed from the squad, with a dodgy curry seemingly leading to food poisoning. The 23-year-old also missed Monday night’s clash with Gibraltar too.

Now attention will turn back to his club career, with Newcastle taking on Man United in a huge game at St James’ Park on Sunday. Eddie Howe will be desperate for Botman to recover, as he has been one of the Magpies’ most consistent players this season.

It would be a huge blow if he was unavailable, but his absence would open the door for one Newcastle player to make his first Premier League start since September.

Potential Sven Botman absence could create a chance for Matt Targett

If Botman is unavailable to face Manchester United then Howe will need to make a major change to his backline.

He does have the option of starting Jamaal Lascelles, but that would mean he has two right-footed centre-backs playing – something he does not like to do.

The most likely outcome would see Dan Burn move back to the middle and rekindle his partnership with Fabian Schar from last season.

That would then create an opening on the left of defence which Matt Targett is primed and ready for. The 27-year-old has not started a Premier League game since September, and has missed a large part of the season with a heel injury.

The £15million man has had to watch from the bench in recent weeks, waiting for an opportunity to get back in to the starting XI.

In an ideal world, Botman will be fit to start on Sunday, meaning Burn can continue at left-back and Targett remains on the bench. But calling up the former Aston Villa man would not be an issue – he was excellent last season, and is more than capable of filling in if currygate continues.