NEWCASTLE UNITED will have to assess Sven Botman’s latest knee issue after the centre-half was forced off during the closing stages of this evening’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal.
The Magpies booked a place at Wembley for the second time in three seasons as goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon secured a 2-0 win to set up a 4-0 aggregate success.
Botman’s return to the starting side was a key factor in Newcastle’s victory, with Eddie Howe’s decision to switch to a five-man defence proving to be a masterstroke.
However, the victory could have come at a cost, with Botman having reported some discomfort in his knee before he was withdrawn with 11 minutes remaining.
The Dutchman was sidelined for more than ten months after suffering a cruciate-ligament injury last season, and will be assessed in the next 24 hours.
“I don’t quite know what the problem was with Sven, why he had to be withdrawn,” said Howe, whose side will face either Tottenham or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on March 16. “I think it was a knee issue, and we hope it’s okay, he’s such an important player.
“He’s still coming back to his best feeling and rhythm after a long-term injury, but we certainly respect his qualities.
“We felt today that it was just a must that we got him in the team with his physicality and ball-playing ability. I was very, very pleased with his performance, but of course we need to check the injury and check he’s okay.”
Howe was able to report better news on Sandro Tonali, who also hobbled off in the closing stages to be replaced by Sean Longstaff.
“I just think it was a bit of cramp with Sandro,” said Howe. “I don’t think that was an injury.”
Joelinton was absent from today’s game, although he was an impassioned observer in the seats next to the home dugout.
The Brazilian suffered a knee injury in last weekend’s league defeat to Fulham, and will not be considered for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Birmingham City or the following weekend’s league trip to Manchester City.
“He (Joelinton) will be out for weeks, not months,” said Howe. “I don’t think it’s a serious injury, but it will be enough to make him miss the next few league games.”
