Overview

• Sven Botman, who has been plagued by knee injuries this season, is undergoing scans to determine if he can play in Newcastle's final Premier League matches against Arsenal and Everton.
• Head coach Eddie Howe has described Botman’s latest knee issue as minor but acknowledged the squad's defensive depth is under significant strain.
• Newcastle accelerated Jamaal Lascelles’ return from injury and is assessing other key players, including Kieran Trippier and Joelinton, ahead of the season-defining fixtures.
• Botman has missed 59 matches over two seasons due to injuries, including a nine-month recovery from an ACL tear and a recent kneecap issue.
• Concerns over Botman’s reliability are influencing Newcastle’s transfer strategy, with plans to strengthen the central defense in the upcoming summer window.