The Magpies will without Sven Botman for the clash at Man City tonight but when will he return?
Erling Haaland of Manchester City (9) shields the ball from Sven Botman of Newcastle United (4) during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Manchester, England
Manchester City takes on Newcastle in the Premier League today(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United fans were expecting to see Sven Botman back in action in the clash at Manchester City after a positive Friday update from Eddie Howe.
But the Magpies have opted to delay the Dutchman's return, meaning he will now miss a third game in a row. The former Ajax man has been rested because of a back problem in recent games and did not travel to Azerbaijan to take part in the 6-1 hammering of Qarabag or face Aston Villa in the FA Cup when a 3-1 win over Unai Emery's side unfolded seven days ago.
However, ChronicleLiveunderstands that Botman has not suffered any setback or fresh problem. He was not deemed ready to face Man City and therefore not risked.
With Malick Thiaw banned for the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Qarabag, Howe will be low on numbers defensively on Tuesday with Fabian Schar also injured. Dan Burn is also just a booking away from a European ban meaning he may be rested or risk missing the last 16 clash against Chelsea or Barcelona.
Howe had said on Friday: "Better news on Sven, he could be in and around this game."
But that has not been the case, prompting concerns from the fanbase. However, they can rest assured there is no setback.
Botman missed 78 days last season with hamstring and knee problems and has already missed 12 games this term. Newcastle have a number of injuries defensively with Emil Krafth likely to miss the rest of the season, while Schar and Tino Livramento have had spells on the sidelines.
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