'No sign': Keith Downie gives Newcastle United training ground update following noted absence

Newcastle United love to play a few mind games when it comes to putting our their weekly gallery from the training ground.

If a player is reported as being a doubt, then the Newcastle media team may purposefully make sure that said player doesn't feature in the gallery to keep the media, and opposition managers guessing.

However, the media do have access to the training ground, so that plan doesn't always work.

This week, we noted that Sven Botman was absent from the gallery, suggesting that he hadn't trained with the team despite it being expected he'd be fit to return in time for the game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Sven Botman's absence from training has been confirmed

Now, though, we have confirmation that Botman was indeed missing from training on Wednesday as Sky Sports' Keith Downie has provided an update via YouTube, confirming the Dutchman's absence.

"There was no Joelinton or Sven Botman today. Now, remember both of those players have been missing recently. Botman's missed the last two games with a knee problem that he picked up against Arsenal in the second leg.

"There's no sign of Botman today which doesn't bode well for Sunday, but it's Wednesday, we're still four days away. Four days worth of training. Is it a huge concern? We don't know, I'm sure we'll find out from Eddie Howe on Friday. But the fact there was no Botman today wasn't the best of signs, and no Joelinton either, but that was less of a surprising I have to say."

Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes are looking fit and well

Eddie Howe will face the media on Friday morning, and we're sure to get an update on both players then. Fingers crossed Sven Botman is at least fit enough for the bench on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Keith Downie gave updates on Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson, both of whom have missed a fair bit of football this season, and he says they are both looking good.

“Both Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes took part in full training. Both looked in a good, buoyant mood.

“They’ll be feeling good that they’re back at a crucial time in the season, and I think for Eddie Howe, he’ll be pleased he’s got competition for places in those positions. Perhaps some of those players who haven’t been turning it on may be looking over their shoulder a little bit at the likes of Barnes and Wilson coming in.”