Sven Botman latest as Newcastle United star misses training ahead of Nottingham Forest game
Sven Botman latest ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United fans have been left guessing over whether Sven Botman will be available for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
The Dutch defender sustained a knee injury in the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg victory over Arsenal a fortnight ago, forcing him to miss the last two matches against Birmingham City and Manchester City.
Botman only recently returned from a long-term ACL injury, although his current issue is the opposite knee. Speaking ahead of the 4-0 defeat at Man City, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed the 25-year-old wouldn’t be available, but suggested he could be back this weekend.
Howe said: “Good news on the scan he had after the injury, we don’t think there is any long-term issue there. Short-term there is still a little pain for him so we think he’ll miss this weekend but hopefully he won’t be far away for the following games.”
Sven Botman not spotted in training
As of Wednesday, Botman hadn’t trained with his Newcastle teammates. The former Lille man wasn’t pictured in the club’s training gallery, while Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie also confirmed his absence after being given permission to film parts of the session.
Although Howe’s side don’t play until Sunday, Botman’s absence raises some doubt ahead of Forest.
Joelinton also missing
Joelinton is also missing with a knee problem, although will be out for “weeks rather than months” according to Howe.
The Brazilian has already sat out of matches against Arsenal, Birmingham City and Man City, and isn’t expected to return against Forest and Liverpool on Wednesday. Newcastle then face Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round and West Ham United in the league before playing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup at Wembley.
“We hope by that time he will be back fit and available,” said Howe. “He's making good progress. Joe, when he approaches his injury recovery, is very positive, very driven to get back and to shave time off the estimated target that he's given, which is a great thing.
“But also we need to control that and make sure that he comes back in a really good place. But he's very positive at the moment.”