Eddie Howe answers Newcastle United transfer question after £35m blow v Liverpool

Newcastle United will assess Sven Botman’s injury before making a decision on whether or not to go back into the summer transfer market.

The Dutchman limped off during Sunday evening’s 2-1 defeat to 10-man Liverpool shortly before Darwin Nunez netted a 93rd-minute winner. Botman landed awkwardly when challenging for a header in the Reds box and at one stage looked to be leaving the pitch on a stretcher.

After gingerly walking down the tunnel, Eddie Howe confirmed after the game the defender had suffered an ankle problem.

The United head coach said: “It looks like an ankle problem. I don’t know how bad it is but we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Matt Targett was brought on in Botman’s place with Dan Burn moving from left-back and into the centre of defence. Howe also had club captain Jamaal Lascelles on the bench but beyond him, Newcastle are a little short of senior options.

The 45-year-old said on Friday that Newcastle had likely concluded their summer transfer business following the arrival of Lewis Hall “unless something happens to a couple of players in one position”.

Asked if a lengthy spell on the sidelines for Botman would result in United searching for a replacement before Friday’s deadline, Howe said: “We’ll have to wait and see. We’ll speak to the medical team and see how bad the injury is first.”

Newcastle have spent just under £130million on five summer signings - Yankuba Minteh, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Hall - but are restricted by Financial Fair Play rules.