The aftermath of Newcastle United’s heavy 4-1 defeat at Anfield brought more than just the sting of a lost result. For manager Eddie Howe, the pain of the scoreline was compounded by a double injury bombshell that explains much of the tactical struggle his side faced against Liverpool.
Just as the Magpies need every available body to navigate a punishing winter schedule, two of their most consistent performers Sven Botman and Lewis Miley have joined the growing list of fitness concerns on Tyneside.
The tension began even before the first whistle. Many supporters were surprised to see both Botman and Miley listed only as substitutes, especially given how vital they were in the gritty Champions League draw against Paris Saint-Germain just days earlier.
While they occupied seats on the bench, they remained there for the entire ninety minutes, even as the game began to slip away from Newcastle in the second half.
Following the match, Howe pulled back the curtain on the situation, revealing that his hand was forced by medical advice and the physical toll of a relentless season.
Regarding Sven Botman, the issue appears to be a tight thigh muscle. The Dutch defender has been a pillar of the backline, but the quick turnaround from the high-intensity atmosphere in Paris proved to be too much.
Howe explained that Botman was included in the matchday squad in the hope that he might “declare himself fit” during the pre-match warm-up or that the tightness would ease with extra massage and recovery time.
However, the medical staff remained cautious, advising the manager that using the center-back could risk a long-term tear. When you are playing matches every three or four days, the window for recovery is incredibly small, and sometimes the information the coaching staff needs simply doesn’t arrive fast enough to make a comfortable decision.
The situation with young Lewis Miley is perhaps even more concerning from a mobility standpoint. The teenage midfielder, who has handled the pressure of top-flight football with remarkable maturity, was unable to feature because he literally could not bend his knee at the angles required to sprint or tackle effectively.
A knee that lacks its full range of motion is a non-starter for a Premier League midfielder, particularly against a Liverpool side that thrives on a high-speed, chaotic pressing game. Howe expressed his disappointment, noting that the absence of these two key players dictated his formation and restricted his ability to rotate the squad.
This “bombshell” arrives at a particularly sensitive time. Newcastle is currently preparing for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City. Trailing 2-0 after the first leg, the Magpies face a monumental task at the Etihad Stadium.
They are already without the services of several defensive mainstays, including Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth. Furthermore, club captain Jamaal Lascelles has been absent from matchday squads for months and is rumored to be exploring a move away from the club before the transfer deadline.
The midfield situation is equally precarious. Bruno Guimaraes, the heart of the Newcastle engine room, did not even travel to Anfield. While he was a bench option in Paris, his ankle issues have persisted, making him a major doubt for the trip to Manchester.
Howe was unwilling to give a definitive answer on the Brazilian’s availability, stating only that there is “a chance” he could feature, but the uncertainty is hardly what the fans wanted to hear before a do-or-die cup tie.
When looking ahead to the clash with City, Howe identified Botman and Miley as the players with the best chance of returning to the starting lineup. Since they were fit enough to sit on the bench at Liverpool, the hope is that a few extra days of intensive physiotherapy will allow them to reclaim their spots.
However, the manager was blunt about the rest of the squad, confirming that no other long-term absentees are expected to make a miraculous recovery in time for Wednesday.
The current spell is undoubtedly the most difficult Howe has faced since arriving at St. James’ Park. He was quick to credit the players who did play at Anfield, noting that they had to “go again” despite the heavy legs and mental fatigue following the emotional roller coaster of a Champions League night in France.
The lack of squad depth is currently the biggest obstacle standing between Newcastle and their ambitions for silverware. Without the ability to rotate, the risk of further “knocks” turning into serious injuries increases with every passing minute.
As the team returns to the training ground, the focus will be entirely on the medical room. The fans are desperate for good news, knowing that a full-strength squad is needed to overturn a two-goal deficit against the reigning champions.
For now, the supporters can only wait and hope that the “bombshells” dropped at Anfield don’t turn into a full-blown crisis that derails their season.
