Sven Botman update as £88m Newcastle United duo 'not 100%' ahead of Wolves clash

Sven Botman is set to return to Newcastle United's matchday squad for Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers (kick-off 3pm).

Having started the previous 10 matches after returning from a three-month layoff with a knee injury, the Dutchman was rested for Tuesday's FA Cup fifth round penalty shootout win at Blackburn Rovers.

But after completing some individual training this week, Howe says the central defender could feature against Wolves. "Yeah we could see him," said Howe. “Sven’s looking good. We just felt he would benefit more from training.

"He’s another player who has come back from a longer term injury back into the team. We just felt he needs more individualised training to hopefully get back to his very best levels."

Newcastle will again have Alexander Isak and Joe Willock available after the £88million pair started at Ewood Park, although Howe admitted they aren't yet 100% fit in their comeback from their respective injuries.

Isak missed three games because of a recurring groin issue while Willock hadn't featured since November due to an Achilles injury.

“They’re getting there," said Howe. "I think Alex will get there every game. His situation is slightly different to Joe [Willock].

"Alex has had a groin problem I think three times so naturally there is maybe a feeling that he needs confidence in his body and needs confidence physically with how he is performing in games. Prior to his last injury Aston Villa he was looking really good but out of nowhere really he felt something again.

" I think these two games have been really good for him to help him feel his body is strong. Certainly, his work behind the scenes has been good and I’d like to think he’ll improve from this point onwards.

"Joe’s slightly different just because of the length of time he’s been out. Of course we are trying to nurse him back to full fitness as quickly as possible.

"I think that’ll take a period of time before he gets back to his very best, it’s difficult to put a timeframe on it but he’s got qualities that even if he is not 100% fit that we need.