**Eddie Howe has plenty of big calls to make ahead of tomorrow's game as Newcastle United continue their Carabao Cup defence against Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.**
As we already know, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Yoane Wissa are all still sidelined, whereas Sven Botman had to be taken out of the game on Saturday following a clash of heads with Fulham's Sasa Lukic as they scored their equaliser.
It was reported after the game that Botman had not suffered a concussion, which means he wouldn't have to follow the Premier League's protocols, which would forbid him from playing in a game for six days.
That means, technically, Botman is in contention to start on Wednesday night, but there still remains some doubt.
Ouch
Sven Botman had to have his head stapled after Saturday's game
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When asked during Tuesday morning's press conference (h/t [The Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/eddie-howe-live-newcastle-united-32760544)), Eddie Howe revealed that the Dutchman hadn't trained yesterday, but shared some positive news on the long-term absentees.
> "Sven has no concussion, it was a cut, a bad cut, which he had stapled together. He didn’t train yesterday, but we will see how he is today.
>
> "Lewis is the closest to coming back out of those injured, but this game will come too quickly for him. Tino is still on track, we are looking at the Manchester City game for him for when he can be available for."
Lewis Hall may be in the squad on Sunday at West Ham
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That sounds like Lewis Hall may be in the squad for Sunday's game at West Ham, but it also sounds like Yoane Wissa, who was pencilled in for a return for that game, could miss out.
We expect Howe to make a raft of changes to his team tomorrow night anyway, so Botman may have been in line to have a rest anyway, regardless of his stapled nut.
We're going to have a crack at a predicted XI later once we've absorbed Howe's presser for any potential hints - but honestly, it's just going to be pure guesswork as Eddie never gives anything away.