Howe sizes up Botman’s poser

Eddie Howe says Sven Botman’s availability at Arsenal tomorrow night will be a staff decision and will not be left in the player’s hands.

Botman made his first start in nearly 10 months in Newcastle’s 2-1 win against Tottenham on Saturday after returning to full fitness following cruciate ligament surgery.

The Netherlands international played 92 minutes before finally making way for Lloyd Kelly as Newcastle claimed their sixth straight win in all competitions.

Eddie Howe at Arsenal test:

“We have to be very good with the ball and solid in defense. We have to cause Arsenal problems in another way. I don’t think we should think too much, we just need to make the right combination. Let’s try to continue with the good performances we have given… pic.twitter.com/7PC0IJeNOf

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 6, 2025

Their next assignment is also in North London as they visit the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.

Asked if Botman would feature, Howe said: “We have to talk to the player, the medical team, the experts. They’ll give me some of the answers to what we’re going to do with him next.

“Sven is a competitor. He is very motivated for the team and himself. He wants to do very well in his career so I have no doubt what he will say, but we have to, as I said, talk to other people and try to make the right decision.”

Gordon fit but two key absent

Anthony Gordon is expected to be fit after suffering a facial cut this weekend, but the visitors will be without suspended duo Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes.

Guimaraes has established a good understanding with Joelinton and Sandro Tonali in Newcastle’s midfield and Howe admits he will be a big miss.

He added: “One of Bruno’s biggest strengths is that he’s always there for you, his performance in looks has been brilliant for us, especially when you consider the physical effort he puts into every game.

“His training is good, he was exceptional in every way, so to lose him, when he is such a key figure for us, is a big loss. But we have big players who can also replace his shoes. Whoever I choose in that position, I think we will have a quality player.”

Longstaff will probably enter

Sean Longstaff is likely to replace the Brazilian with Howe knowing his team will need to be strong in defence.

“We have to be very good with the ball and solid in defence,” he said. “We have to cause Arsenal problems in a different way. I don’t think we should think too much, we just need to get that combination right. Let’s try to continue with the good performances we’ve had recently and try to win.”