What Eddie Howe said about Sven Botman after Newcastle injury blow
Newcastle defender Sven Botman had to be taken off against Fulham on Saturday after he clashed heads with Sasa Lukic.
Newcastle have suffered their fair share of injury setbacks already this season, and fears have been raised about another issue for a key man once again.
They faced struggling Fulham at St James’ Park on Saturday (25 October) with the aim to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after beating Benfica 3-0 in midweek following a star showing from Anthony Gordon.
Howe’s side took the lead in the first-half as Jacob Murphy pounced on Calvin Bassey’s mistake to fire home, but the visitors drew level after the break through Sasa Lukic’s close-range header.
Fulham’s goal saw Lukic collide with big centre-back Sven Botman, and he soon had to leave the field due to their clash of heads as Newcastle eventually won 2-1 late on.
Botman is a key man for Newcastle
Botman has been a key man at the back for Newcastle ever since he joined from Lille in 2022, but has struggled with injuries on occasion, with 84 appearances for the club up to now.
The centre-back’s contract on Tyneside is set to expire in 2027, and recent reports have stated that Botman is in line for a new Newcastle deal now that Ross Wilson has joined as sporting director.
Newcastle fans will be wanting to see a lot more of him this season after he was out for nine months with an ACL tear in 2024 and missed 13 games towards the end of last season with knee issues.
He had been able to avoid any problems from April until now, and Magpies supporters will hope that he is back soon and isn’t set to be out long-term amid these new concerns.
What Howe said about Botman’s latest setback
Following the Fulham clash, Howe spoke to the media about Botman’s injury and revealed that it was not as bad as initially feared, saying: “I think he’s OK. There’s no concussion, it was a cut, but a very good recommendation from the on-field physio to take him off.”
The Magpies boss went on to admit that Botman’s replacement, Fabian Schar, had also played well after having to come on when he likely wasn’t expecting too.
He said: “I thought it was important for Fabby (Schar) to come and do well. Difficult moment for him.
“He’s been an ever-present near enough since I’ve been here. Obviously the challenge is greater this season with the arrival of Malick and Sven’s form and Dan’s form. For all the defenders to step up and play is not easy with the group we have.
“I’m delighted with how he played and that will do him the world of good.”