Sven Botman return date as Newcastle United hit with fresh blow

Botman hasn’t made a first-team appearance since March because of an ACL injury but has stepped up his recovery in recent weeks by resuming full training and featuring for the under-21s.

The Magpies are now without Fabian Schar for the next two matches through suspension but Botman comes back into contention. United travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday before facing Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-finals three days later.

"Yes, Sven will be in and around my thinking for sure, as will a few other players,” said Eddie Howe after Newcastle’s 2-0 win at Manchester United.

"He's getting there. He's had a period of training which we knew he needed. He's had a little bit of illness in the last few days. Hopefully he'll get over that pretty quickly.

“We have depth in the squad that can cover any absentee and hopefully that's the case with Fabi."

Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) and Emil Krafth remain sidelined, which is likely to see Lloyd Kelly partner Dan Burn at centre-back this weekend. Botman could make an appearance from bench.

When back up to full speed, the Dutchman faces the challenge of replacing Burn.

Howe said: "I think as long as Dan continues to play in the way that he has this season, there's no way you can contemplate losing him from the back line. It's not just how he's played, but it's how he leads and his understanding of what I need the team to do I think is at the very highest level.

"I think Dan's been magnificent this year in every respect, but he needs to keep his level and I think he knows that. He's got not just Sven Botman, but Lloyd Kelly and other defenders that are waiting for their opportunities.

"That's what, at the moment, I think when you look at the bench, there are players waiting to play and to show their qualities."