Newcastle United are not yet over the line in the Champions League race.
While Newcastle United are in a great position to secure qualification for the Champions League, the job is not yet complete.
Eddie Howe’s side head to Arsenal on Sunday in what could be a shootout for second place in the Premier League. Still, if they lose it, there’s suddenly a huge amount of pressure on the final day clash at home to Everton next week.
The Newcastle United manager needs as many key players as possible. However, Joelinton is expected to miss the rest of the season, while both Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock may miss the Gunners game on Sunday.
That is hardly ideal preparation for Howe. Newcastle have beaten Arsenal three times this season but they are second in the Premier League table for a reason.
One star who could yet be involved, however, is Sven Botman.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Sven Botman injury news before Arsenal vs Newcastle United
Botman is a doubt for Newcastle against Arsenal due to a knee injury, though the issue isn’t thought to be serious.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The 25-year-old has endured an injury nightmare for the club over the last two seasons, missing 59 games with various knee problems.
Howe has admitted Botman is frustrated by his injury issues but the Dutchman seemingly isn’t a guarantee to miss out on Sunday.
According to Craig Hope of The Daily Mail, the defender is “desperate” to feature in what remains of the campaign.
“The player himself, I know, desperately wants to be part of it [the final few games of the season],” he said on a video posted on YouTube.
Sven Botman injury: Newcastle United fans all have the same plan in mind
Newcastle fans don’t want to see Botman rushed back from his latest injury and that certainly makes sense.
It would be fantastic to have him available but Newcastle have largely gone the full season without him.
Season Injury Games missed
2023-24 Ankle injury 2
2023-24 Knee injury 16
2023-24 Knee injury 28
2024-25 Knee injury 7
2024-25 Knee injury 6
Sven Botman’s injury record for Newcastle United
Rushing the process seems unwise. Botman has broken down after every attempted comeback so far and the summer break is just around the corner.
Letting him rest and recover before a full pre-season seems the most logical step. While difficult to predict the future, that could be a huge step towards him enjoying a season without so many problems next time around.