Newcastle United have been dealt a blow in their quest for European football with the news that Sven Botman is set to be sidelined for between six to nine months after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his knee.
The 24-year-old defender sustained the injury during Newcastle's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester City on Saturday 16 March, having to be taken off in the 83rd minute.
A club statement said: “Following further assessment, a scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL during Saturday's match and he is expected to return to action within six-to-nine months.”
Sven Botman will undergo surgery next week after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 20, 2024
A scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL and he is expected to return within 6-9 months.
We wish you a full and speedy recovery, Sven ❤️
It is the second time he's suffered a knee injury this season, the first occurring in September, which kept Botman out until December.
Botman joins a Newcastle injury list that includes Nick Pope, Callum Wilson and Joelinton.
The injury also rules Botman out of a possible appearance for Netherlands at Euro 2024 this summer.
We're with you, Sven. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/qG2sT9YkGm
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 21, 2024
What does this mean for Newcastle?
It is a huge loss for Eddie Howe's side as the stats show Botman's importance to the team, with key metrics dipping when the defender is out.
Since 2022/23, Newcastle's win percentage when the Dutchman has played has been 49.1 per cent, but without him it drops significantly to 38.5 per cent.
In the 13 matches from which Botman has been absent, the Magpies averaged 1.4 points per match, 0.4 lower than the average when he played.
Played out across the remaining 10 matches this would equate to a four-point difference.
How Newcastle fare with/without Botman since 2022/23
| With Botman | Since 2022/23 | Without Botman |
|---|---|---|
| 53 | Matches | 13 |
| 26 | Wins | 5 |
| 15 | Draws | 3 |
| 12 | Losses | 5 |
| 107 | Goals for | 20 |
| 2 | Ave. goals for | 1.5 |
| 61 | Goals against | 20 |
| 1.2 | Ave. goals against | 1.5 |
| 49.1% | Win ratio | 38.5% |
| 1.8 | Points/match | 1.4 |
| 11.3 | Shots conceded/match | 13.9 |
| 52.0% | Possession | 53.2% |
Who could replace Botman?
Club captain Jamaal Lascelles has deputised for Botman before, while Dan Burn could shift over from left-back to left centre-back.
Another left-back Paul Dummett has also played centre-back while Emil Krafth is another option, having also recently recovered from the same injury Botman is dealing with.
What's next for Newcastle?
After their elimination from the FA Cup, Newcastle, currently 10th, only have the Premier League to concentrate on, but there is a lot at stake.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 |
Spurs
TOT
|
35 | +11 | 60 |
| 6 |
Newcastle
NEW
|
35 | +22 | 56 |
| 7 |
Chelsea
CHE
|
35 | +11 | 54 |
| 8 |
Man Utd
MUN
|
35 | -3 | 54 |
| 9 |
West Ham
WHU
|
36 | -14 | 49 |
| 10 |
Bournemouth
BOU
|
36 | -11 | 48 |
| 11 |
Brighton
BHA
|
35 | -4 | 47 |
A repeat of last year's qualification for the UEFA Champions League looks out of reach. But there remains the opportunity for Howe's side to qualify for UEFA competitions next season, with the possibility that an eighth-place finish might be enough for a slot in the UEFA Europa Conference League, or seventh in the UEFA Europa League.
See: Qualification for UEFA competitions explained
With only four points separating them from West Ham United in seventh, there is a lot to play for.
Indeed, that gap to West Ham could be reduced to one point next Saturday afternoon as the two teams meet at St James' Park.
This marks the first of four home fixtures in Newcastle's next five scheduled Premier League matches, three of which involve teams below them.
However, there are also two postponed away matches, at Crystal Palace and Manchester United, that might be slotted into this period.
