Newcastle United have no fresh injury concerns coming out of their Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City.
The Magpies enjoyed a fruitful night against the League One side, advancing to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup where they will face Tottenham Hotspur at home.
Newcastle eased past Bradford with a 4-1 win, on a night that saw multiple Toon players put in confidence-boosting performances. That includes Will Osula and Lewis Miley.
Another player who excelled was Sven Botman, having been named in the starting XI alongside Malick Thiaw. However, Botman finished the game on the Newcastle United bench. He was replaced by Alex Murphy in the 89th minute, raising fears that he had suffered an injury issue amid his recent fitness struggles.
No injury for Sven Botman
However, Eddie Howe has confirmed that the reason for taking Botman off was tactical rather than enforced.
Following the game, the Newcastle United manager spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle and was asked if Botman was alright following the substitution.
“Yeah, he is fine,” he said.
“That was just to give Alex [Murphy] some minutes.”
Given the serious knee issues he endured and subsequent fitness problems, it is encouraging to hear that Botman is fine. He has looked outstanding this season, as he attempts to get back to being the Sven Botman from his first season on Tyneside.
As for Alex Murphy, he did not put a foot wrong during his brief cameo in the Carabao Cup third round.
Eddie Howe handed Sven Botman dilemma ahead of facing Arsenal
Having started Newcastle’s previous two games, Botman has shown signs of getting back to his best. He will be keen to remain in the starting XI moving forward, but that will be easier said than done.
That is because of Dan Burn. While Botman is playing well, so is Burn. He was arguably Newcastle United’s best player last season, while he has carried his outstanding form into the new campaign.
Botman and Burn can play together, but that is only likely to happen if Howe utilises a back five like he did against Leeds and Bournemouth. While that system could be effective against Arsenal on Sunday, it feels more likely that the Toon boss will use his trusted 4-3-3 formation.
Therefore, only one of Botman and Burn is likely to start. Given he completely sat out the cup win over Bradford, it feels more likely that the man from Blyth will get the nod ahead of the £35million Dutchman.
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