Newcastle defender Sven Botman faces a “long road” to recovering from knee surgery but Harvey Barnes and Kieran Trippier could feature against West Ham on Saturday, Magpies manager Eddie Howe has said.
Netherlands international Botman could miss nine months following treatment on an anterior cruciate ligament injury – and Howe says the the 24-year-old wanted to continue playing with the problem, having missed 16 games earlier this season with a knee issue.
“Ultimately, our medical team advised him to get surgery but he wanted to carry on,” said Howe.
“He has then aggravated that issue. It’s a big blow. It’s a complex story with Sven. Initially, he had a partial tear. We sought specialist opinion and there were conflicting reports on what he should do next.
“He now has a long road ahead of him but the operation went well so we hope he comes back in a better place. Now we’ll support him and help him back.”
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Howe added that he would “have to wait and see” whether midfielder Barnes, who has had a thigh injury, or defender Trippier, who has had a shin issue, could feature at London Stadium.
Newcomer Lewis Miley also suffered a back problem while the 17-year-old was on England under-20s duty.
“We are seeking specialist opinion on him,” said Howe. “We don’t know exactly what it is right now.”
Eddie Howe on the progress of Elliot Anderson:
“He is getting there, he looks stronger and more robust, he has trained well the last two weeks. He is a really talented player; I want to see him do well for the remainder of the season.” pic.twitter.com/rn7JFlLObI
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 29, 2024
Newcastle seek ‘positive’ result v West Ham
Newcastle have won one of their last four top-flight games and were knocked out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 quarter-final defeat at Manchester City in their final match before the international break on March 16.
Howe’s side beat Wolves 3-0 on March 2 for their first home win in five matches stretching back to December 16, and they are three games unbeaten at St James’ Park.
They start their game against the Hammers four points behind their seventh-placed opponents but with a match in hand.
“If we can come through this season with a positive finish, we’ll look back on a season that’s really helped us grow and be better for it in every sense,” reflected Howe.
“But of course, we have to have that positive ending and that’s what we’re desperate for.”
Here’s the latest team news, taking into account injuries and suspensions.
