Newcastle United double injury news revealed just hours before kick-off vs Ipswich Town

Newcastle United have been handed a double injury boost for the Premier League clash against Ipswich Town, with Sven Botman and Fabian Schar set to be named in the squad.

There were fears Botman’s season could be over after it was decided he required surgery on a knee issue that has kept him sidelined since the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win over Arsenal on February 5.

An initial assessment determined the Dutchman’s injury to be minor but around a month later went under the knife. Eight weeks on and Botman has resumed training at Benton this week.

Sven Botman & Fabian Schar pictured at St James’ Park

Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall said last week that Botman is “ahead of schedule” and could be involved in the matchday squad against Ipswich. When providing an update at his Friday press conference, Eddie Howe said: “Sven's trained well this week and it's been great to see him back on the grass. So, yeah, really, really pleased with how he looked. It's still very early stages for him, but back training with the group, big step.”

Botman is set to be named in the squad after being pictured arriving at St James’ Park ahead of kick-off alongside Schar.

The former Switzerland international was withdrawn in the closing stages of the 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa last Saturday with a hamstring complaint but will start against the Tractor Boys.

Schar has missed just four Premier League games this campaign, though three of those have been through suspension. United are already without two defenders in Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Hall for the rest of the campaign.

Eddie Howe set to return to the St James’ Park dugout

The visit of Ipswich is set to see Howe return to the dugout for the first time since the 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday, April 7.

Howe had been feeling unwell and was admitted to hospital 48 hours before the Magpies’ 4-1 victory over Manchester United. It was later confirmed that the 47-year-old had been diagnosed with pneumonia, forcing him to miss further matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa whilst he recovered.

Although Howe says he isn’t yet feeling 100%, he has decided to return to work ahead of the Ipswich game, where a win will take his side up to third in the Premier League table with four games left to play.

“I'm okay. I'm not 100%. I'm not 100% in my body, but I'd like to think I'm very close to 100% in my mind, which is the most important thing,” said Howe.

“I try to take a positive from every experience, I think that's really important you try to do that but this has been a real challenge because your health you take for granted. I certainly have. And then when you don't have the luxury of feeling normal, it can be very difficult. So, yeah, certainly been through a range of emotions. But thankfully, I feel like I'm on the road to recovery, which is the most important thing. And yeah, I'm delighted to be here.”

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