BREAKING NEWS: The formal explanation for Sven Botman’s absence from Newcastle United’s FA Cup match against Blackburn Rovers.

Sven Botman was absent from Newcastle United‘s FA Cup fifth-round match against Blackburn Rovers.

After recovering from a significant knee injury in December, the Dutchman had started the previous ten games, but he was left out of the starting lineup for the trip to Ewood Park.

Newcastle is believed to have decided to rest Botman. Eddie Howe’s team will play in the Premier League on Saturday when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers.

After Botman received criticism for his play during Saturday night’s 4-1 loss at Arsenal, Howe stood up for him.

At the Emirates, Botman’s own goal put the score at 1-0 before a misdirected pass allowed the Gunners to make it 3-0. After putting up what Magpies great Alan Shearer called his worst performance in a Newcastle shirt, he was replaced on 72 minutes by Jamaal Lascelles.

After suffering a knee injury in September, the 24-year-old was out of action for three months until making a comeback in December. Although he hasn’t played at his greatest level since then, Howe believes the center back needs more time.

“Sven had a very serious knee and he’s returned to fitness,” Howe stated. Though I believe he has gotten better with every game, I also believe he is still trying to return to his peak performance.

We’re keeping an eye on his knee ailment and hoping it gets better so he can play Premier League football without experiencing any pain. Undoubtedly, as I have stated, that was a pretty serious injury.

“You cannot play Premier League football if you are not in top physical shape; you cannot play the game at all. He’s done the training and is ready to play, but as I mentioned, the injury was serious. I’m hoping that he’ll return to his peak in a few more weeks.”

Howe responded, “For me, there should be no focus on Sven; the focus needs to be on the team to perform better than it did,” in response to more inquiries about Botman’s form. Nobody has ever disappointed us in particular.

“Myself included weren’t at our best against Arsenal and when you’re not at your best against the very best sides in the division you get punished, and that’s what happened.”

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