Newcastle United have a problem ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal.
The Magpies have been drawn against the Gunners, with the first leg set to take place at the Emirates in early January. Newcastle United are up for the cup, and will be delighted that the second leg is at St James’ Park.
That is a boost, but Eddie Howe does have two major issues ahead of the game in North London. Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar will be suspended, after they picked up their second bookings of the competition during Newcastle’s win over Brentford.
Losing Bruno is a big concern, but Newcastle at least have plenty of options in centre-midfield.
However, it is a different story at centre-back.
Whether Sven Botman will start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg
Sven Botman features for Newcastle United whilst recovering from long term injury during the Premier League 2 match between Newcastle United U21 an...
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
With Schar suspended, Eddie Howe will need to draft someone in to partner Dan Burn at centre-back.
However, there is a problem.
Emil Krafth is injured, with the Sweden international out for up to eight weeks after breaking his collarbone. The Arsenal game could come too early for him to be involved.
There has been hope that Sven Botman could replace Schar, as the 24-year-old edges closer to a first-team return after his ACL injury.
But a new report from the Daily Mail suggests he will not start at the Emirates either.
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According to the Daily Mail, Botman is unlikely to start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, with Newcastle expecting him to be fit enough to start games by the middle of January at the earliest. The Arsenal game at the Emirates will take place during the week beginning January 6th.
Who will start at centre-back for Newcastle
With Sven Botman unlikely to be ready and Krafth probably still injured, Howe may have to turn to Lloyd Kelly for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
That would mean playing two left-footed centre-backs, as Kelly is a left-footer just like Burn.
This issues highlights Newcastle’s need for reinforcements at the back. That is why Newcastle tried so hard to sign Marc Guehi in the summer.
A centre-back is still required, but Newcastle will prioritise signing a winger when the January transfer window opens.
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