'Knee problem' - Newcastle United issue official Sven Botman update after Chelsea withdrawal
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman made his first start since the beginning of February.
Sven Botman made his first start in three months as Newcastle United beat Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Injuries to Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock forced Eddie Howe into two changes from last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion. And by naming Botman and Anthony Gordon in his starting XI, Howe switched from his usual 4-3-3 formation to a 3-5-3 system.
Sandro Tonali put Newcastle ahead after just two minutes before the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Nicolas Jackson was sent off for an elbow on Botman. Bruno Guimaraes then made sure of the win in stoppage time.
Having only just returned from an ACL injury, Botman sustained another knee issue in the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg win over Arsenal on February 5 and after a few weeks of assessment underwent surgery.
The Dutchman came on as a late substitute against Ipswich Town and Brighton & Hove Albion before being deployed from the off against the Blues.
Eddie Howe explains Sven Botman withdrawal
He got through 55 minutes at St James’ Park before being replaced by Lewis Miley. After the game, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted Botman had been feeling his knee at half-time but insisted his withdrawal was more for tactical reasons.
Howe said: "He was slightly uncomfortable in the half time break with a knee problem. I don't think it's serious. He was obviously OK to carry on but he was feeling something so, tactically, I thought it would help us to change."
“We hope so,” Howe added. “He was icing a problem at half-time, so we hope he's okay. With that in mind and the fact I felt we needed to change tactically, we made a change, brought Lewie on.
“It was a big moment for Lewie and I thought he handled that situation, a lot of pressure on him, really, really well, so I was really pleased. But the second half was very much a tactical affair with lots going on, so I'm pleased with the adaptability of the squad.”
Eddie Howe praises his Newcastle United central defenders
Botman played alongside Dan Burn and Fabian Schar in a three-man backline but reverted back to a flat back four.
Tino Livramento and Jacob Murphy played as the full-backs while Miley joined Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in midfield. Up front were Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.
Praising his central defenders, Howe said:“I thought Dan had another really strong game. The thing I love about Dan is his fearlessness when he plays. He's very aggressive. He's very good, obviously, aerially, but on the floor, I think he's been magnificent for us this year in terms of covering ground.
“It's not easy to do what we ask of him and Fabi, but I thought they executed it really well today. I think we have to be adaptable the way the game is going and it constantly changes. Your players need to be adaptable even in running. I thought we were today and that helped us win.”
Newcastle United need one win to guarantee Champions League football
Newcastle head into the remaining two games against Arsenal and Everton knowing one win will secure Champions League qualification.
Chelsea facing Nottingham Forest on the final day guarantees one of Newcastle’s rivals will drop points, while they also have a superior goal difference to sixth place Aston Villa.