Eddie Howe delivers good news and bad news on Sven Botman after knee injury fear

Sven Botman came off in the game against Arsenal complaining of a knee problem, sending Newcastle United fans into a panic.

The Dutchman spent the majority of last season out of action with a recurring knee problem, which eventually came to a head when his ACL ruptured, requiring surgery.

Botman spent nine months on the sidelines recovering, only making his return to action at the turn of this year.

Hearing that he'd picked up a knee complaint in the game against Arsenal on Wednesday had everyone fearing the worst.

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Eddie Howe confirmed Sven Botman's knee injury

Eddie Howe moved to clarify the situation today when speaking to the press this morning (via The Chronicle), delivering both good and bad news.

"I don't think he'll be available this weekend. He's taken a knock to the opposite knee to his ACL injury. It isn't a serious injury but it'll keep him out of Birmingham before we assess him next week."

We're expecting Eddie Howe to heavily tweak the lineup for Saturday anyway, so we're not sure Botman would have been called upon, the fact that it is bad enough to keep him out of at least one game is a concern.

Hopefully Sven Botman will fit to return to take on Manchester City

Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be a problem with the knee that gave him so much grief last year.

Fingers crossed he'll be good to go again next weekend when we head to Manchester City as he has a good record of keeping Erling Haaland in his pocket.

The last thing we need with our tiny squad is injuries to our top players, not when we're so close to glory.