The Magpies defender was absent for the third game in a row after suffering a back injury
Newcastle United's Sven Botman celebrates scoring against Brentford with Malick Thiaw, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Murphy
Newcastle United's Sven Botman missed the game at Man City(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has explained why he did not risk Sven Botman in the 2-1 loss to Man City.
Howe had announced on Friday that he was close to a return from a back injury as it emerged he would miss this third game in a row.
Speaking after the clash at the Etihad Stadium, Howe said in his Press conference: “We thought he [Botman] was going to be available on Friday, but he just didn’t feel 100 per cent right.
“So, we didn’t want to take any chances with him. We hope he’ll be available on Tuesday, but that’s not 100 per cent clear currently.”
ChronicleLiveunderstands that Botman has not suffered any setback or fresh problem. He was not deemed ready to face Man City and therefore not risked.
Howe was forced to go again with Kieran Trippier at right-back while Malick Thiaw played his last game before a suspension in the Champions League.
Howe reflected after the game: “It was a good effort from the lads, physically It’s not just been a tough week, it’s been a tough run of fixtures for us.
“I think the big thing for me is that every time we enter the pitch, I want the players to empty and give everything in the pursuit of winning. I can’t ask any more physically from the players that that, that was us all out.
“I thought we played with a good style, a good clear plan. The players executed it pretty well, bar a couple of moments.
"The two goals, I don’t think we defended well enough, we made individual errors.
“But I thought we chased the game really well in the second half – it’s a really tough thing to do here, against this team. I’m pleased with the efforts that the players gave.”
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