Howe weighs in on the Botman poser
Eddie Howe says Sven Botman’s availability at Arsenal tomorrow night will be a mutual decision and not in the player’s hands.
Botman made his first start in almost 10 months in Newcastle’s 2-1 win at Tottenham on Saturday after returning to full fitness following cruciate ligament surgery.
The Netherlands international played 92 minutes before eventually making way for Lloyd Kelly as Newcastle secured their sixth consecutive win in all competitions.
Eddie Howe on Arsenal test:
“We have to play very well with the ball and be strong defensively. Conversely, we have to cause problems for Arsenal. I don’t think we should think about it, we just need to get the mix right. Let’s try to continue the good performances we have shown… pic.twitter.com/7PC0IJeNOf
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 6, 2025
Their next outing will also be in north London when they visit the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
Asked whether Botman would be involved, Howe said: “We need to speak to the player, the medical team and the experts. They’ll give me some answers about what we’re going to do with him next.
“Sven is a competitor. He is very motivated for the team and himself. He really wants to do well in his career, so I have no doubts about what he will say, but as I said, we have to talk to other people and try to make the right decision to meet.”
Gordon passed, but two key players were missing
Anthony Gordon is expected to be fit again after sustaining a cut to his face at the weekend, but the visitors will be without suspended duo Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes.
Guimaraes has hit it off with Joelinton and Sandro Tonali in Newcastle’s midfield and Howe admits he will be a big miss.
He added: “One of Bruno’s greatest strengths is that he is always there for us. His performances have been great for us, especially considering how much physical effort he puts in every game.”
“His training is good, he has been exceptional in every way, so losing him even though he is such a central figure for us is a big mistake. But we also have great players who can follow in his footsteps. Whoever I choose in this position, I think we will have a first-class player.”
Longstaff is likely to enter
Sean Longstaff is likely to represent the Brazilian Howe knows his team has to be strong defensively.
“We have to play very well with the ball and be strong defensively,” he said. “Conversely, we have to cause problems for Arsenal. I don’t think we should think about it, we just need to get the mix right. Let’s try to build on our recent good performances and win the game.”
