Newcastle United fans are holding their breath after Sven Botman limped off during their pre-season friendly against Arsenal. The defender, who came on as a half-time substitute, gestured towards his groin and was subsequently replaced in the 70th minute.
Manager Eddie Howe addressed the situation, stating: "He came off and said his groin was a bit tight. So fingers crossed he’s OK." The concern is understandable given Botman's recent injury history, with knee issues limiting him to just 21 Premier League starts over the past two seasons. While this latest setback doesn't appear to involve his knee, the timing is far from ideal.
Newcastle are preparing to face a K League All-Star team in South Korea on August 1st, and Botman's availability is now in doubt. With the Premier League opener against Aston Villa just three weeks away, the Magpies will be eager to have their key defender fit and ready.
A source close to Botman has suggested the substitution was merely precautionary, indicating the issue isn't considered serious at this point. However, with Newcastle yet to bolster their central defensive options, Botman's presence is vital to their defensive plans for the upcoming season.
Adding to Howe's concerns, Alexander Isak remains absent amid transfer speculation, further stretching the team's attacking resources. Will Osula and Jacob Murphy saw significant game time in the friendly defeat, while new signing Anthony Elanga marked his debut with a goal. Whether Botman recovers in time for the K-League All-Stars match remains to be seen, but Newcastle will be hoping for positive news in the coming days.
Key Takeaways:
- Sven Botman suffered a groin injury during a pre-season friendly.
- His availability for the K-League All-Stars match is uncertain.
- Newcastle's defensive depth is a concern given Botman's injury history.
- Alexander Isak's future at the club remains unclear.
What's Next?
Newcastle will be closely monitoring Botman's progress ahead of their trip to South Korea. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery and a positive update from the club in the near future.