Eddie Howe’s Sven Botman call is a game-changer after Newcastle axe
Eddie Howe faces a game-changing decision over Newcastle defender Sven Botman ahead of the club’s tie against Barcelona after he was axed from the starting XI against Wolves.
Since arriving at Newcastle in 2022 for around £35 million, Botman has struggled with persistent injury problems that have disrupted his momentum.
He has slowly been integrated into Howe’s side this season, with Botman being a standout player for Newcastle in their goalless draw to Leeds.
However, the injury worries resurfaced as he was taken off due to precaution after a knock during the game.
The Dutchman was dropped from the starting XI against Wolves and came on for the final few minutes during stoppage time. Whether or not the defender is chosen to start against Barcelona remains to be seen, with Howe hesitant to to bring him back into the fold.
| Season | Matches missed |
| 2024-25 | 13 |
| 2023-24 | 46 |
| 2022-23 | 0 |
| 2021-22 | 18 |
Sven Botman ready for Barcelona clash amid Newcastle axe
The 25-year-old only made 11 appearances last campaign as he struggled with issues, and despite Botman returning in December from an ACL injury, he has continued to suffer setbacks.
He has missed numerous key fixtures over the last few seasons as Botman was injured during the Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool and hasn’t featured regularly to form a partnership Howe prefers.
Botman appears to have shaken off the knock he picked up against Leeds, and despite not starting against Wolves, he has shown he is determined to make an impact in his latest message, where he said he was “UCL ready”. But time will tell if he is selected against Barcelona.
However, it seems as if Howe has had a conservative approach with his defensive options, preferring the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar.
Still, he is highly rated amongst the fanbase, with Newcastle supporters showing excitement over Botman’s return earlier last term.
Eddie Howe hesitant to trust new defence amid Malik Thiaw snub
Many may have expected Dutch centre-back Botman to form a partnership with Newcastle’s summer signing Malick Thiaw, but the former AC Milan defender has barely featured since his arrival.
While Burn and Schar have been reliable under Howe, there appears to be a reluctance to experiment with a new pairing, even with the Magpies enduring a poor start to the campaign.
Starting Botman against Barcelona would provide the defender with a timely confidence boost, but Howe will soon need to show the same faith in Thiaw, especially with difficult league fixtures against Bournemouth and Arsenal on the horizon.