Sven Botman injury boost as key Newcastle United duo doubts for Ipswich ahead of Eddie Howe update

The match could prove decisive at both ends of the table as a win for Newcastle would take them back up to third in their battle for Champions League qualification, while anything other than a win for Ipswich would see them relegated from the Premier League.

Southampton and Leicester City have already had their relegation confirmed while Ipswich sit 18th, 15 points adrift of West Ham United in 17th with five games left to play and significantly worse goal difference. Even if Ipswich were to pull of a surprise win at St James’ Park on Saturday, there’s a feeling that it would only prolong the inevitable.

Both teams head into the match with some injury concerns. Ipswich will be without Kalvin Phillips, Sammie Szmodics, Jaden Philogene, Arijanet Muric, Omari Hutchinson, Chiedozie Ogbene and Wes Burns. Boyhood Newcastle fan Leif Davis has also been denied a St James’ Park appearance due to suspension.

Newcastle’s absentee list isn’t quite as long with Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles the only confirmed absentees while defensive duo Fabian Schar and Sven Botman are doubts for the weekend.

Fabian Schar hamstring injury

Schar was withdrawn in Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa last time out as a precaution after feeling his hamstring in the match. The Swiss defender scored Newcastle’s only goal in the game and has started each of the club’s last 11 games in all competitions heading into Saturday’s match.

Speaking after the Aston Villa match, Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall said: “Fabi was feeling his hamstring in the game, so he felt it was the wise move to bring him off and to try and protect him, to make sure that hopefully he's okay for the remaining games.”

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Sven Botman could make long-awaited Newcastle United injury return

It’s approaching three months since Botman picked up a knee injury that ultimately required surgery but the defender has been making good progress in recent weeks. The 25-year-old has started just five games for Newcastle this season due to an ACL injury followed by his latest knee issue but reports from the club have been positive in recent weeks.

Tindall claimed last week that Botman has a chance of featuring against Ipswich, having returned to training.

“He's ahead of schedule,” Tindall told The Gazette. “He's on the grass now. He's joining in some parts of training. So maybe next weekend [against Ipswich Town], possibly, he could be involved or could be there for selection.

“But again, that will be assessed over the coming days. But we're certainly really, really pleased with his progress.”

That progress is understood to have continued on the training ground this week, with Botman in contention to return to the matchday squad.

Further fitness updates on Schar, Botman and the Newcastle squad will be provided in Friday morning’s press conference ahead of the Ipswich Town match. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe is set to resume his media duties after recovering from being hospitalised with pneumonia.

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