The odds may have tipped slightly in favour of Newcastle ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Arsenal at The Emirates.
A Sandro Tonali-inspired Toon breezed past Thomas Frank’s Brentford in a comfortable home victory to set up the clash with the Gunners, who we have already beat at St. James Park this season.
Before Mikel Arteta’s men make the trip north again however, we must face Arsenal in the capital – and we have been handed a double boost ahead of the away leg on Tuesday 7th January.
After going off holding his hamstring in the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday, an update has arrived on Bukayo Saka.
The Times report that a hamstring injury will keep the winger out for ‘several weeks’, meaning he’s almost certain to miss our semi-final first leg at the Emirates in a fortnights time.
Mikel Arteta admitted he was “pretty worried” about the injury after Saturday’s game and he’s given a fresh update today.
Speaking to the media today, he said: “It is not looking good. He is going to be out for many weeks. It’s a huge blow”, all but confirming he’ll miss the first leg in two weeks time.
Arteta’s loss is Eddie Howe’s gain as the 23-year-old is the Arsenal’s most influential player, with 15 goal contributions in the league alone this season a Saka-sized hole will be a huge blow for our hosts.
Newcastle have been handed another positive injury update as Sven Botman prepares to make his return to first team football, which could come at the perfect time with Fabian Schar suspended for the semi-final first leg.
“He’s getting closer,” said Howe of Botman. “Pleased with how he has been in the last couple of weeks. He’s had a couple of tests, whether that’s in training or games. He came through another practice match at the weekend, on Saturday, did well, looking good, so it will be a case of deciding when we reintroduce him to the squad.”
“Without a doubt we need a player of Sven’s quality in the squad so we will welcome him back with open arms.
“But of course the challenge for Sven is to earn his place back, it’s not going to be given [to him] and that’s the challenge for anybody. When you’ve had such a long-term injury, there will be a period where Sven has to work back to his best level, that’s the same for everybody, but it’s great to have competition for places, that’s what we’ve missed.”
In Schar’s absence, the return of Botman may prove vital if we are to progress to the final – particularly with the Gunners without their most dangerous weapon.