NewcastleWorld

Newcastle United are awaiting a further update on the defender.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Sven Botman is set to miss Newcastle United’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur as he seeks specialist advice on a back issue.

Botman had started 11 of his last 12 matches before dropping out of the starting line-up for the 2-1 victory over Manchester City nine days ago.

The Dutchman played the final quarter of an hour to help the Magpies see out the victory, however was an unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Marseille three days later.

Ahead of Saturday evening’s 4-1 win away to Everton, United head coach Eddie Howe revealed Botman had been nursing a back problem. As it happens, the defender was left out of the squad for the visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Newcastle United issue Sven Botman injury update

Speaking after the game, Howe said: “He's been to see a specialist, or he's going to see a specialist, should I say. Fingers crossed it's not too long.

“Any absence with a player of Sven's qualities, especially with the injuries that he has had, is a blow for us. So, fingers crossed.”

As of Monday morning, Botman was still waiting to see a specialist, which suggests the visit of Spurs on Tuesday night will come too soon for him as the club awaits guidance on how to treat his injury.

At his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “With Sven, he's going to see a specialist in the next couple of days, just to get a sort of definitive opinion, whether he needs an injection or whether he's able to rest for a few days and then resume training. So we'll wait and see.”

Newcastle United well-stocked at centre-back

Fortunately for Newcastle, they are well-stocked at centre-back as it stands with Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar all available. Howe also has the experience of Jamaal Lascelles to call on if required.

It has been left to Burn, Schar and Botman - when fit - to compete for their place at centre-back with Thiaw, who joined from AC Milan for £35million in the summer, quickly becoming undroppable.

Thiaw is the only player to start the last 15 matches in a row, where he scored a brace against Everton on his last appearance.

On Thiaw, Howe said: “You never quite know how long it will take a player to feel comfortable and confident within the team and with their peers and in the way that we play.

“I think Malick had a little period where he had to wait. Fabi and Dan had done really, really well then I think Fabi got a concussion, he got an opportunity and he's never looked back from that moment and today I thought he was outstanding.

“Two great goals, two huge moments for us, but he's been really consistent. I think that's the biggest compliment I can give him. He's physically been able to handle the games, he's looked really strong and another top performer.”

Newcastle United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St James’ Park tomorrow night.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Thomas Frank has backtracked on controversially slamming Tottenham Hotspur supporters for booing Guglielmo Vicario during their 2-1 home defeat to Fulham.

A hectic opening six minutes on Saturday saw Spurs concede twice - giving them a mountain to climb. Vicario was caught in no man’s land for the second goal, rushing outside his box to allow Harry Wilson to score from distance.

Mohammed Kudus pulled one back in the second half but a resolute Fulham backline held on to snatch all three points. The crushing defeat was Tottenham’s fourth at home this season, with a section of fans beginning to question Frank’s appointment.

Thomas Frank condemns Tottenham Hotspur fans

Audible boos aimed towards Vicario echoed around North London following his howler. Launching a passionate defence of his goalkeeper, Spurs boss Frank hit out at the club’s supporters.

"I heard some of our fans apparently booed the incident and booed after which, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable,” he said. “(They) can't be true Tottenham fans that do that. Fair enough booing after the game, no problem, but when we are playing, we are supporting each other, we are behind each other going forward.”

And now the U-turn...

Fast forward just 48 hours and Frank has changed his tune - insisting Spurs need all of their supporters united. When asked if he regrets his comments before their trip to Newcastle United, the Dane said: “I don't know, and you can say, how do you define a true Spurs fan? I think all the fantastic fans we have believe they're true Spurs fans. Some react in one way, some react in another, some are a little bit in between. No matter what, we need all of them.”

A growing number of Tottenham fans appear to be voicing their discontent at the manager due to recent performances. NewcastleWorld has profiled a sample of angry comments from social media below.

Newcastle United picked up a fresh injury on the eve of their 4-1 win over Everton.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Eddie Howe’s big selection calls paid off as Newcastle United recorded a 4-1 victory away to Everton.

A Malick Thiaw double and goals from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade put the Magpies 4-0 up before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall grabbed a consolation goal in the 70th minute.

After beating Manchester City 2-1 last weekend, United clinched back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since April and ended their seven-month wait for a domestic away win.

Eddie Howe’s six Newcastle United selection calls pay off

Howe made six changes from Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League, with Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Miley, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga and Woltemade coming in for Nick Pope, Fabian Schar, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.

On the changes, Howe said: “I was really pleased for the squad today because it was a squad victory, really. We made changes because I wanted no fatigue on the pitch. I didn't want the feeling that I had after the Brentford game, the West Ham game, where I felt we were tired and lethargic.

“So, with that in mind, I think we have to trust the squad and use the squad. They repaid that faith.

“The players that came in, I thought, were excellent. The players that remained from the previous games did well too. I thought we had a good look about us. I thought we had our athleticism and pace in the right areas of the pitch.”

Newcastle United new double injury injury blow

Howe was under pressure from supporters to drop Pope and play Ramsdale after he was at fault for Marseille’s equaliser in midweek. But ultimately, the decision was taken out of the head coach’s hands after Pope picked up a groin issue during training on Friday.

Asked if Pope would have started if fit, Howe replied: “Good try! That's something for me to know.”

Howe continued: “Nick, we're disappointed to lose him. We can't afford to lose any player. He suffered an injury just towards the end of training.

“I didn't name the team yesterday. So we were just training as normal and he just, I think, wrong-footed on a shot and just felt something in his groin more after training than sort of in that moment.

“And, yes, I hope he's not out for long. We need him back. He'll have a scan in the next few days to find the damage.”

In addition to Pope, Newcastle are also awaiting an update on defender Sven Botman, who has gone to visit a specialist over a back problem.

Howe said: “He's been to see a specialist, I think, or he's going to see a specialist, should I say. Fingers crossed it's not too long. Any absence with a player of Sven's qualities, especially with the injuries that he has had, is a blow for us. So, fingers crossed.”

Aaron Ramsdale impresses on Premier League debut for Newcastle United

As a result, Ramsdale made his first Premier League start for the Magpies since joining from Southampton on a season-long loan deal in the summer.

“Nick and Aaron are very different goalkeepers,” Howe said. “They've got different strengths. Still very effective, both of them.

“And Aaron, I think, showed his qualities with the ball at his feet today. He distributed the ball very well. It wasn't overly worked, necessarily, in terms of shots, but what he did have to handle it.

“I thought he did well. I don't think he'd do much with the goal. So I think it's a good day for him and for the back four in front of him. Just a good day for the team in general, really.”

Newcastle United have beaten the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to the top talent’s signature.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Newcastle United have agreed to sign teenage defender Josh Kenchington from League One outfit Barnsley.

It was widely reported earlier this month that Kenchington was Tyneside-bound with Newcastle fending off competition from several other Premier League clubs.

Kenchington is very highly rated, having already been compared to Manchester City and England defender John Stones.

Stones, like Kenchington, is a Barnsley lad and came through the Tykes’ academy before joining Everton for £3m after making 28 first-team appearances.

Stones, now 31, left his boyhood as an 18-year-old. Kenchington is departing at the far earlier age of 15.

Newcastle United beat Manchester United & Spurs to Josh Kenchington signature

As per Sky Sports News, Newcastle have beaten the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion to Kenchington’s signature and agreed to pay £350,000 plus “significant bonuses” to Barnsley.

An England under-15s international, Kenchington is already north of 6ft. He has been described as a two-footed centre-back and comfortable on the ball.

Josh Kenchington issue farewell message ahead of Newcastle United

Ahead of the move to Newcastle being made official, Kenchington has taken to social media to issue a goodbye message to Barnsley.

Kenchington wrote on Instagram: ““Where do I start? 5 years at this great academy, filled with both ups and downs, a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, including academy staff, players, and every coach along the way. Thank you all.

“I will never forget the memories made at my boyhood club and never forget how much I progressed. But is time now for the next chapter of my life, we move...❤️”

Fabian Schar returned to the Newcastle United starting line-up with goal against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Fabian Schar has insisted he is “open” to staying at Newcastle United beyond the current campaign.

Signed in 2018 for just £3million by Rafa Benitez, the Swiss defender has been labelled as Newcastle’s best pound-for-pound signing of the Premier League era. Schar has been out of the team in recent weeks but returned to the starting line-up against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old repaid Eddie Howe’s faith by breaking the deadlock in a 2-0 win. Schar currently sits fourth in the list of Newcastle’s highest scoring defenders (22 goals) - 15 behind the legendary Frank Hudspeth.

Fabian Schar on Newcastle United future

One-year contract extensions have been the norm for Schar in consecutive seasons. He is taking the twilight of his career step by step but is keen to commit to another 12 months at St James’ Park.

“I have said before that I feel at home here,” Schar told The Chronicle. “I know in football you never know what happens and it goes quick. If that's something that can happen, that would be good. I would be open to it of course.

"We need to see what the situation is and what happens in the next few weeks. I will just try to show what I can do with my quality, and the rest we will see."

‘Great to see him back’ - Eddie Howe

Howe’s first big decision as Toon manager was to reintroduce Schar back into the fold. Speaking before the game, he discussed the competitiveness to start at centre-back this season.

“Absolutely (great to see him back),” Howe told reporters. “I think it was important for Fabian to come on and do well because it was a difficult moment for him. He's been an ever-present near enough since I've been here.

“Obviously, the challenge is greater this season with the arrival of Malick (Thiaw) and Sven's form and Dan (Burn's) form. For all the defenders to step up and to play is not easy with the group of defenders that we have. So, I'm delighted with how he played today and that will do him the world of good.”

Eddie Howe on Tottenham Hotspur win

On beating Spurs, Howe said: “Really pleased. When you make the changes that we did (eight changes), you hope to see a performance in line with our identity and expectations, and I thought we got both today.

“I thought the pressing early on in the game was outstanding, and the general attitude of the players was very, very good. Individually, there were some really good performances and, collectively, we were strong. Really pleased for the squad today.”

“You wonder how cohesive it will be (after making so many changes), but from minute one we looked in a really good place. Athletically, I thought we were excellent, and a lot of those players haven’t played regularly, so that’s a testament to their professionalism and how they look after themselves in between games. They got their rewards.”

Newcastle United talisman Sandro Tonali returned to the team last night and scooped the man-of-the-match reward.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Sandro Tonali declared “This is NUFC” on social media following Newcastle United’s win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italian returned to the Toon engine room following a bout of illness and produced a typical dominant performance. Tonali - who set up Fabian Schar’s opener from the corner spot - was crowned man of the match against Spurs.

His control in midfield allowed for Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton to earn a much-needed rest on the bench. Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock partnered Tonali as Newcastle ran out as comfortable winners.

Sandro Tonali posts on social media

Tonali used his customary social media post at the full-time whistle to send a black-and-white battle cry to the rest of the competition. He declared “This is NUFC” - with several figures at the club making public the importance of retaining the trophy.

Teammates Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn called him “maestro”, with Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga and Toon icon Alan Shearer also honouring the playmaker. Using last night as evidence, Tonali is certainly keen to keep the Carabao Cup on Tyneside.

Sandro Tonali on Tottenham Hotspur win

Speaking to ITV post-match, Tonali set his sights on winning the Carabao Cup for a second time. He said: “Tonight, the first thing (what the win does) is (give us) confidence. We started the game really well.

“This win is important, it is so important to be in the quarter-final, but also important to play really good football. Our goal is to win this trophy again. These fans deserve everything for this team. We play every game, 100 per cent, for these fans.”

Eddie Howe on Tottenham Hotspur win

On beating Spurs, Eddie Howe told reporters: “(I am) really pleased. When you make the changes that we did (eight changes), you hope to see a performance in line with our identity and expectations, and I thought we got both today.

“I thought the pressing early on in the game was outstanding, and the general attitude of the players was very, very good. Individually, there were some really good performances and, collectively, we were strong. Really pleased for the squad today.”

“You wonder how cohesive it will be (after making so many changes), but from minute one we looked in a really good place. Athletically, I thought we were excellent, and a lot of those players haven’t played regularly, so that’s a testament to their professionalism and how they look after themselves in between games. They got their rewards.”

Sandro Tonali returned to Newcastle United’s starting XI for their Carabao Cup fourth round win over Tottenham Hotspur.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Sandro Tonali was man of the match as Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to advance into the last eight of the Carabao Cup.

Fabian Schar put the Magpies in front in the 24th minute with a towering header from Sandro Tonali’s corner before another header from Nick Woltemade, this time from Joe Willock’s delivery, doubled the lead shortly after the break.

Eddie Howe made eight changes from the starting XI that beat Fulham 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday. Coincidentally, it is the Cottagers who United will host in the quarter-finals.

Eddie Howe on making eight changes to his Newcastle United starting XI

Only Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn and Woltemade remained in the starting line-up as Aaron Ramsdale, Emil Krafth, Schar, Tonali, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga were given an opportunity to impress.

Howe explained: “I think it's a testament to the squad, a testament to the attitude of the players. I thought everyone played with the right spirit today, the right determination, the will to win was there.

“We didn't have our own way, it was a really hard-fought win. It was mainly very, very positive though. Yeah, really pleased for the squad today.

“We enjoy the competition, we take it seriously, we want to do well but it's the players really and how they take the pitch.

“There's always a slight doubt about how that team will knit together. How cohesive will it be? But from minute one, I thought we looked in a really good place. Athletically, I thought we were excellent today.

“A lot of those players haven't played regularly, so that's a testament to their professionalism, how they look after themselves in between games and they got their rewards.”

Sandro Tonali back to 100% fitness after ‘nasty illness’

Tonali was the pick of the bunch for Newcastle as he recovered from a “nasty illness” to reclaim his place in the starting XI.

The Italian was an unused substitute in last Tuesday’s 3-0 win against Benfica in the Champions League before playing the remaining half-hour against Fulham.

Asked about Tonali’s performance, Howe replied: “Yeah, I thought he was excellent today. He's full of energy, outstanding both in and out of possession, So yeah, very pleased for Sandro.

“He's had a nasty illness actually and it knocked him a little bit. But he was very honest about initially saying that he couldn't perform for the team, so we left him out.

“Today was the right time to bring him back in and he looked 100% and delighted with his performance.”

Sandro Tonali injury fears played down

There was some concern over Tonali towards the end of the match when he pulled up holding his calf but Howe confirmed it was just cramp.

Howe said: “Yeah, he's fine, just a little bit of cramp. I think that shows when Sandro's super fit but when you miss training for a few days due to his illness, it goes to show how fine-tuned these athletes are. But I think he's no problem.”

Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup was cheered by Newcastle United supporters.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Newcastle United maintained their Carabao Cup defence with a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park.

Fabian Schar put the Magpies in front in the 24th minute when he rose highest in the box to head home Sandro Tonali’s out-swinging corner.

Nick Woltemade, one of only three players to stay in the starting XI from Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Fulham, then doubled the lead just five minutes into the second half.

Newcastle have reached the quarter-finals of the competition for the fourth consecutive campaign and have kept alive their hopes of reaching back-to-back finals. They face Fulham at home in the next round.

Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur

“Yeah, really pleasing,” said Howe after he made eight changes to his starting line-up. “I think it's a testament to the squad, a testament to the attitude of the players. I thought everyone played with the right spirit today, the right determination, the will to win was there.

“We didn't have our own way, it was a really hard-fought win. It was mainly very, very positive though. Yeah, really pleased for the squad today.”

Newcastle United fans mock Liverpool after their Crystal Palace defeat

If Eddie Howe’s side are to get back to Wembley, it won’t be a repeat of the final in March after Liverpool were dumped out by Crystal Palace, losing 3-0 at Anfield.

Minutes after the final whistle at St James’ Park, Liverpool’s defeat was read over the PA system, which sparked loud sarcastic cheers from the home fans.

And it doesn’t take an expert to work out why, with the Alexander Isak saga still fresh in Newcastle supporters’ minds.

Isak went on strike at Newcastle as he successfully forced a £130million British record transfer to Liverpool, however, he has struggled to hit the ground running and is currently sidelined with a groin issue.

Reds boss Arne Slot last week further fuelled the rift after referring to Newcastle as a “smaller club” when discussing Isak’s fitness levels.

The Dutchman said: “I don't think there's a rule that every single player has the same. But it also depends on what he did when he didn't train with the team, what the impact is if you go to a new club as a big signing.

"So you cannot compare, maybe a player who hasn't trained or played in pre-season at a smaller club than if you go to Liverpool. There are many factors that you have to take into account and there is not one thing if it's possible or not."

Newcastle United maintained their Carabao Cup defence with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park.

Fabian Schar gave Newcastle the lead in the first-half before Nick Woltemade added a second the 50th-minute.

Howe made eight changes from the 2-1 win over Fulham as Newcastle looked to progress into the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive campaign.

Aaron Ramsdale replaced Nick Pope in goal as Emil Krafth and Schar joined Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn in the back four with Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier dropping out.

A fully rotated midfield saw Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey come in for Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Joelinton, while Woltemade retained his place in attack with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga replacing Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy as the two wingers.

Newcastle opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Schar rose highest to head home Tonali’s corner.

Early in the second half, Willock missed a close-range header to double United’s lead but moments later redeemed himself as the former Arsenal man crossed for Woltemade’s goal.

And that’s how it stayed as Howe’s side made it three wins in a row after victories over Benfica in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League last week.

Here are our Newcastle United player ratings:

Eddie Howe wants to get the balance right as he prepares to make changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for tonight’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie at home to Tottenham Hotspur (kick-off 8pm) .

The Magpies host Spurs in what is their fourth game in 12 days, with West Ham United, Athletic Bilbao and Brentford still to come before the November international break.

United have won back-to-back matches, beating Benfica in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League, and now return to the competition in which they won in March after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final at Wembley.

Howe’s side defence began with a 4-1 victory over League One outfit Bradford City at St James’ Park last month.

“Yes, I think it's an important decision that I've got coming up for this game because, of course, we want to progress,” Howe said when asked about rotation his team against Spurs. “Competition means a lot to us, current holders, etc, o, we don't want to give that up easily.

“But I have to trust the squad as well, and we've got some very good players that need football and need an opportunity to show their talents and what they can bring the squad. So, I think there'll be an element of that, but, as I said, I've got to try and get the balance right.”

Howe could hand Aaron Ramsdale a chance in goal while Fabian Schar will be hoping to retain his place in defence after coming on for Sven Botman, who is a doubt for tonight’s game due to a head cut, against Fulham.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali is back to full fitness after struggling with illness. Jacob Ramsey started the Champions League match against Benfica last Tuesday but was rested versus Fulham having only just returned from an ankle problem.

In attack, both Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes will hope their recent positive cameos can earn them a place in the starting XI.

Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up: