Newcastle
Eddie Howe now confirms £35m Newcastle star could play vs Wolves
Newcastle United face another tricky fixture this weekend.
After squeezing past Blackburn in the FA Cup by way of a penalty shootout in which Martin Dubravka starred, Newcastle return to Premier League action for the first time since their battering at Arsenal.
That was a game in which Sven Botman struggled. While there is thought to be a recognition that the £35m Dutchman would benefit from extra time on the training field after a serious knee injury earlier this season, it would be fair to say he did not cover himself in glory.
Rested for the trip to Ewood Park earlier this week, Howe has stressed he does not want the defender singled out for criticism.
Now, he could be in line for the Wolves game.
Newcastle team news vs Wolves: Sven Botman latest
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe said of the defender (via the club’s official X channel): “Sven is another player to come back from a longer term injury.
“He needs more individualised training to get him back to his best. We may see him tomorrow.”
Newcastle vs Wolves: A huge game for Eddie Howe
While Wolves have impressed this season, the fact they are sitting above Newcastle in the table does not make for great reading given the respective summer spends of the two clubs.
With that in mind, it leaves Howe in a difficult decision in regard to Botman. Though resting him would surely be wise long-term, not playing him may leave Newcastle weaker at the back against a team who have already caused them problems this season.
Clearly, the defence as a whole is not working. Conceding 16 goals in six games is hardly down to just one player, after all.
Still, there would appear to be little need to rush Botman back. Howe wanting to play him is of course understandable but, long-term, risking him may not be the wisest move.
