‘Unknown’ - Newcastle United could be without £35m star for Brentford clash

Eddie Howe says there is no gurantee Sven Botman will be available for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Brentford after the international break.

The Dutchman missed the Magpies’ 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion last night after sustaining an ankle injury against Liverpool last weekend.

Botman underwent a late fitness test before Howe’s squad travelled to the South Coast but was left behind. In his absence, Matt Targett came into the starting XI at left-back with Dan Burn moved into the centre of defence.

United, having lost three or their opening four league matches, next host Brentford at St James’ Park on Sunday, September 17 and Howe admits it is “unknown” if Botman, signed from Lille for £35million last year, will return.

The Magpies head coach told NewcastleWorld: “Unknown, to be honest. I hoped he might have been fit for this game but he didn’t feel too good yesterday [Friday] so he was ruled out. We’ll see how quickly he improves.”

Newcastle lost 3-1 on the Amex Stadium. Evan Ferguson netted a hat-trick as Callum Wilson scored a consolation during stoppage time.

“Tough result for us,” Howe said. “Could have been very different, I think. Early stages of the game we had some good chances but didn’t take them. The goals we conceded, especially the first one, was a tough one.”

Asked where it went wrong, the 45-year-old replied: “The first goal is always a key moment in any game and I think that probably then dented our confidence, especially after last week. Not just the goal but the manner of the goal. I think the game was probably not the game we wanted it to be.

“The second goal came at our best moment where we were fighting our way back into the game, The subs came on and made a difference and then they scored again.

“The only response you want is the next game and next training session. You want to see a focus and a determination to get that result out of our system and look to the future.

“Changing rooms can be a very easy place to talk but that doesn’t really mean too much. The lads are very disappointed and I think collectively we’ve got an outstanding group of individuals with great mentality. We know what we’ve got to do.”