Official Newcastle injury update on Botman, Trippier and Willock with two games left

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media following our massive 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.

After discussing the importance of the three points, a game of two halves and some of the standout moments from the match, the boss also took questions on a couple of injury concerns.

Sven Botman update

There were two changes to our starting XI yesterday due to injury, with Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon coming in for Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock.

Botman started only his fourth league game of the season, and was taken off early in the second half with what Howe hinted was a precautionary move for the Dutchman.

Addressing if Botman was okay, Howe answered “We hope so. He was icing a problem at half-time. He was slightly uncomfortable in the half time break with a knee problem. I don't think it's serious."

“He was obviously OK to carry on but he was feeling something so, tactically, I thought it would help us to change.”

While this one isn't a major concern and may be due to a few whacks the big centre-back took on the day, it is a slight worry that he's had knee pain after surgery on that part of his body twice over the past 12-18 months.

Trippier and Willock facing fitness race

Speaking of Willock and Trippier, Howe also confirmed that both players were dealing with separate injury concerns, hence their absence today.

Asked about both after the win, Howe suggested both injuries are minor - but at this stage of the season it's not clear if they'll feature again:

"Kieran has a calf problem and Joe has a thigh problem. They're both similar injuries. We don't think they're serious but we don't know if we'll see them before the end of the season.”

Howe was also unable to confirm or deny if Joelinton will play again this season after the big man from Brazil was spotted wearing a 'Shearer 9' shirt while sat in the Milburn end on Sunday!