Eddie Howe explains why Newcastle United duo were dropped versus Liverpool

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe have revealed the reasons behind his decision to make changes at the heart of his defence for Wednesday night’s meeting with Liverpool.

Sven Botman and Fabian Schar have both dropped to the substitutes’ bench, with Dan Burn and recalled captain Jamaal Lascelles partnered at centre-back against the Reds.

Howe confirmed Schar has been rested after suffering a couple of knocks throughout the opening month of the season and explained it was a ‘straight choice’ between Burn and Botman.

“Different reasons, Fabian has been playing with a couple of injuries from the start of the season,” he told BT Sport.

“So we just thought tonight was a good time to rest him and keep his fresh and fit.

“Between Dan (Burn) and Sven (Botman), it was just a straight choice really.”

Howe could not hide his excitement after record signing Alexander Isak finally received clearance to feature at Anfield.

The former Real Sociedad striker will make his Magpies debut after being named in Howe’s starting eleven and the United boss described himself as ‘really keen’ to see how his newest addition performs.

“We found out at around lunchtime today, so that was a nice thing for us in the build-up to this game.

“To have him available, we are really excited by him as a player and we are really keen to see how he does tonight.

“Three big players to lose (Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruno Guimaraes and Callum Wilson) in a fixture like this, but it’s a big opportunity for other players and I’ve got no doubt of the quality of the players coming in.”