Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has provided an update on Sven Botman.
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Sven Botman has been ruled out of Newcastle United’s friendly against Team K-League on Wednesday (kick-off 12pm BST).
Botman was introduced at half-time during the Magpies’ 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday but lasted just 25 minutes.
The Dutchman lined up in a back three alongside Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth but a groin complaint forced him to withdraw in the 70th minute. Harrison Ashby replaced him.
Eddie Howe provides Sven Botman update
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said after the game that he didn’t think the injury was serious and a scan since then has determined that to be the case.
However, the issue will be enough to rule the 25-year-old out against Team K-League and probably Sunday’s all-Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The hope is Botman will be available to feature against either Espanyol or Atletico Madrid in next weekend’s St James’ Park double-header.
"We didn't think it was a serious injury at the time, which has been confirmed in the scan,” Howe said. “He definitely won't play tomorrow but whether he plays a part in the Tottenham game, let's wait and see. Possibly not, but then we hope he can be available for the double-header leading into the first game."
In his first season after joining from Lille for £35million, Botman made 44 appearances but in the last two seasons has been restricted to just 33 outings due to various knee issues.
Eddie Howe previews Team K-League & Tottenham Hotspur clashes
Following three days in Singapore, Howe’s squad arrived in the South Korean capital of Seoul on Monday. Tomorrow, they face Team K-League at the Suwon World Cup stadium before rounding off the visit to Asia against Spurs at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
"We're looking forward to the game,” Howe said ahead of the Team K-League clash. “I just walked out of the hotel for the first time since arriving last night and I was hit by the heat again, which we're looking forward to. Playing in this heat is extreme but we're honoured to be asked to play here and it's a privilege to play in this game against such a strong team.
"I know their level will be very, very high. We won't underestimate our opponents so we'll prepare as well as we can. We'll have our usual things in place to make sure that we know what's ahead.”
Howe added: "We're possibly going to look at it in terms of where our players are fitness-wise, so I think we're going to balance our teams on players that are slightly fresher to possibly play the first game, and players that maybe need a little bit more recovery time after the Arsenal game will play the second game.
"But we're focusing on our first Premier League match against Aston Villa, making sure that we're getting ready for that. It's a big part, pre season, getting the players ready to play but make sure they don't pick up too many injuries so that will certainly be considered."
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