Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that he expects Sven Botman to remain out for Sunday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at St James' Park.
The Dutch defender was unavailable for last weekend's 4-0 slaughter at the hands of Manchester City due to a knee injury, albeit one not as severe as his recent cruciate ligament problem.
However, Howe admitted in Friday morning's press conference that the visit of Forest should come too soon for Botman, who joins fellow knee victims Jamaal Lascelles and Joelinton in the infirmary.
With Botman still out of contention, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn will guard the defensive third in front of Martin Dubravka, expected to keep Nick Pope at bay for a little longer after signing a new deal at St James' Park.
Kieran Trippier only lasted until half time in the loss to City, though, so Tino Livramento should now return to right-back duties as fellow youngster Lewis Hall bombs down the opposite side.
Howe may also be tempted to throw Sean Longstaff into the engine room alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, but the attacking trident will remain untouched.
Alexander Isak hopes to end a three-game Premier League scoring drought against a side he has netted in all of his previous top-flight appearances against, and the Swede will be aided by Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon as ever.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Longstaff; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
> Click here to see how Forest could line up for this game
Ben Knapton
