Botman has been out with a knee injury and isn’t close to returning to the lineup.
Newcastle United’s hopes of bringing in Sven Botman for their hectic schedule have been dashed by news that the Dutchman needs more knee tests.
Only on Friday did head coach Eddie Howe speak positively about getting Botman back ‘quickly,’ with the ex-Ajax youth player back out on the grass.
However, he is still training apart from the main group, and the centre-back is unlikely to play against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, Arsenal in the Premier League, or Borussia Dortmund.
When asked if any of his injured Newcastle players would be available for Old Trafford, Howe replied, “I don’t think we’re expecting anyone to be available that wasn’t available against Wolves.”Unfortunately for us, the majority are longer term, but that is the situation we are in. So we’ll go with a similar squad (to Wolves).”
When asked about Botman’s timeline, Howe stated, “Botman is unclear at the moment.” So we’re taking it one day at a time.”
At this point, the Dutch defender has no return date, having not played for Newcastle since scoring in an 8-0 win away at Sheffield United.
“There’s an issue there, and we’re working through it,” Howe added. We have several options for diagnosing the injury.”
When asked if the injury was long-term, Howe replied, “Perhaps.” We’re still waiting for answers about what’s going on with his situation.”
In Botman’s absence, Jamaal Lascelles has deputized alongside Fabian Schar, but with a heavy fixture load in November, Paul Dummett may well deputize at the heart of defense, as he did in the Carabao Cup third round win over Manchester City.
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