Newcastle United really could do without an injury to Sven Botman.
Botman has missed much of the last two seasons with knee injuries, robbing Newcastle United of arguably their best defender.
With that in mind, the fact Botman suffered a groin injury during Newcastle’s loss to Arsenal was a very unwelcome development.
The Dutchman lasted only 25 minutes in the second half of Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat in Singapore, with Eddie Howe later confirming Botman was suffering from tightness in his groin.
With no new defensive signings, the Newcastle United manager desperately needs the 25-year-old to stay fit.
Luckily, it seems the situation may not be quite as bad as first feared.
- Who is Sven Botman? Get the lowdown on Newcastle United’s Dutch defensive dynamo
Newcastle United get good news for Sven Botman injury scare
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope provided a positive update shortly after the game.
Indeed, according to Hope on social media platform X, Botman did not appear to be walking with a limp or any great discomfort inside the stadium.
Dan Burn also reportedly said that Botman would likely not have come off had it been a competitive game, so the issue doesn’t look to be serious.
Sven Botman injury update changes nothing for Newcastle United
It’s promising to hear Botman doesn’t appear to be seriously injured. Initially, it looked like another cruel blow for a player who has consistently struggled to keep fit.
Still, it changes nothing for Howe. The club still desperately need to sign a new defender this summer.
Speaking after the game, the Newcastle United boss admitted the club were not “deluded” and knew they needed to strengthen.
A defensive signing is just as needed as one up front. Botman at his best is surely Newcastle’s leading light defensively, but heading into the season just hoping he’ll stay fit without any cover arriving feels like an almighty risk.
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