Newcastle defender Sven Botman to miss crucial Nottingham Forest clash | OneFootball

Newcastle United suffered a major setback ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, with key defender Sven Botman ruled out due to a lingering knee injury.

Botman is an integral part of the Newcastle defensive set-up but has been struggling with discomfort in his knee.

The Netherlands international centre-back (12 caps) initially sustained what was described as a knock during the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Arsenal, and it was expected that he would miss just one Newcastle game.

However, his absence has now stretched to three matches, raising concerns among the Newcastle camp about the long-term implications of the injury.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe provided an update on Botman’s condition, playing down fears of a serious setback but confirming that the 25-year-old will not be available for the trip to the City Ground on Sunday.

“I don’t think he will be fit and available for this weekend,” Howe admitted (via the Daily Mail). “We are going to have to see how things stand over the weekend for next week. He is very much on track, just not quite ready.”

Botman’s injury history adds to the concern. The former Lille defender missed ten months with an ACL issue before returning in January.

However, Howe quickly reassured Newcastle supporters that this was a separate injury and would be treated independently.

“It is a totally different injury to the knee that he had previously,” Howe clarified. “We will just judge the injury in isolation.”

Newcastle will now have to cope without their defensive rock in a crucial encounter as they look to bolster their European qualification hopes against a Forest side equally fighting for a slot in the Champions League.

This summer, a central defender has to be one of the top priorities for the Newcastle recruitment team, with Botman’s injuries consistently leaving the Magpies light at the back.

AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen is reportedly an option, and with a £50 million release clause, he might be within reach for Howe and Newcastle.