Newcastle United’s season is in the balance.
Such has been the inconsistency this season, it remains to be seen where Newcastle can go during what remains of the campaign.
Three consecutive victories before the international break made the prospect of European qualification a genuine possibility but, sadly, Eddie Howe’s side were brought crashing back down to earth on Monday.
Newcastle slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham to slip to tenth in the Premier League table and surely few would put their houses on Howe’s inconsistent side beating Crystal Palace on Saturday even despite their struggles.
At their worst, Newcastle look laboured and short of ideas. While Howe must be commended for doing what he can with the limited resources afforded last summer, the fact they so often look flat is a real worry.
Indeed, the Newcastle United manager is also reportedly facing a quiet January transfer window on the spending front too.
With that in mind, Howe needs all the help he can get from the players already on the books. The returns of Lewis Miley, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier of late should help refresh the squad somewhat, while a certain Sven Botman appears to be closing in on a comeback.
The defender, hailed as “excellent” by Howe for some of his performances last season, has not played since suffering a serious knee injury back in March.
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Botman, however, posted an update on Instagram on Friday, much to the delight of the club’s supporters.
Interestingly, former Newcastle transfer target Anthony Elanga was among those to react.
Anthony Elanga responds to major Newcastle United development
Botman took to the social media platform to reveal he had returned to training out on the grass with his teammates.
Elanga, who Newcastle tried to sign last summer, responded with two love heart emojis…
Eddie Howe has made a huge claim about Sven Botman
It will be fantastic to see Botman back in action, albeit it does seem foolish to want to rush him back into the fold after such a long time out.
Sven Botman of Newcastle United during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on Ma...
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
While his performance levels arguably dropped last season, the fact he suffered a major knee injury without initially knowing cannot be ignored.
Undoubtedly a fantastic centre-back on his day, Howe is said to believe the Dutchman has the ability to become one of the Premier League’s greatest defenders.
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