"We'll give him every chance to be fit. We don't think it's a serious one."
Eddie Howe had kept Newcastle United supporters - and Arsenal - guessing as to Sven Botman's fitness status last week but deemed the Dutchman fit enough to start in the 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in a move that shocked many.
With any serious injury fears allayed, Botman lasted nine minutes longer than the 2-0 win over Chelsea earlier this month, [managing 64 minutes in the north London defeat](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-player-ratings-slump-31669101) before being replaced by Emil Krafth. Now, with one game left to play this term, it is likely going to be between those two defenders as to who gets the nod for the season finale at St James' Park this weekend.
Botman has started the last two outings with Howe opting for three central defenders in a 3-4-3 system against two high-class opponents. For the most part, the tactic has worked - even as Newcastle failed to overcome Mikel Arteta's side in recent days.
However, this weekend's opponents Everton present a different challenge and there's an argument to suggest such a defensive setup won't be necessary. As such, should Howe revert to his favoured 4-3-3 formation with two central defenders instead of three, it is likely Botman will be the man to sit out, with Krafth drafted in at right-back and Jacob Murphy moved back to his natural position on the right of United's attack.
After only 350 minutes of Premier League football this term and a staggered return after repeated knee issues, there will be a determination not to rush Botman back into too much action too soon. Unfortunately, United need a result to secure their Champions League spot on Sunday, which means the defender and [co-star Alexander Isak, nursing a groin problem](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alexander-isak-surgery-truth-shared-31672463), cannot be put away and sent away for an early pre-season of recuperation.
Botman's appearance over the weekend does at least allay fears he has suffered another serious knee problem. This, after missing 28 Premier League matchday squads with various issues of that nature this season.
"I think he's been unlucky with the ACLs," Howe said last week. "Obviously I think the first injury he had came from a knock as well.
"That ended up being a really minor operation, but you're gonna get knocks and bangs and bruises in the position that he plays. This is a similar type of thing. I think he's just been really unlucky on the last two occasions."
All eyes now turn to St James' Park this weekend and what system Howe opts for in a home game against lesser opposition. There's every chance Botman is dropped out of the side as the Newcastle boss ponders reverting to a flat back four.