Big blow for Newcastle as defensive duo ruled out of Carabao Cup final | OneFootball

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Sven Botman will miss next week’s Carabao Cup final due to a knee injury.

The Dutch defender has endured an injury-hit spell at Newcastle and has suffered a setback in his latest return. Botman is facing around eight weeks on the sidelines, ruling him out of next week’s cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.

“With Sven we have been trying to get him close to full fitness and he was actually very close for the Brighton game, but the day before he felt the same problem in his knee,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing West Ham on Monday.

“That meant a reset and we still hoped he could come back but this week again he felt the same discomfort so now it looks like he will have to have an operation.

“We hope he will be back in around eight weeks.”

Botman joins Lewis Hall on the sidelines. The left-back will not play again this season due to a foot injury. Howe has called Hall’s injury ‘really disappointing’ with the 20-year-old having been in good form this season.

“It’s really disappointing. At this moment of the season, we have the cup final and Lewis also had possible international experience coming up.

“He was in really good form and playing well so it’s a big blow for him and us. The most important thing now is his recovery and making sure he comes back as good as he has been.

“Initially like with any player, he would have taken it quite emotionally and you expect that because there is so much at stake. Lewis was giving everything to get to this moment and to win a trophy for this football club – that was his aim and that was in his head. I think now he is in a much better place.”

Botman and Hall will watch the Carabao Cup final from the stands alongside Anthony Gordon at Wembley. Newcastle have decided against appealing the winger’s red card against Brighton last weekend.

Read – Gordon to miss Carabao Cup final as Newcastle decide against appeal

See more – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

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