"Big blow" - Howe reveals good and bad news ahead of Spurs and Arsenal games

Newcastle United benefited from suspensions on Monday night as Man Utd were without Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, but we have a ban of our own to contend with now.

Fabian Schar picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the closing stages of last night's 2-0 win and Eddie Howe has been discussing his suspension and two absent defenders who are being tipped to replace him.

Speaking to the media late last night, here's what Howe had to say on Schar's ban, Botman's comeback and Krafth's injury situation at a time of need:

Howe on Botman, Krafth and Schar

The good news is that Sven Botman only missed out last night due to a "little bit of illness", with Howe revealing that he'll "in and around" his thinking ahead of the Spurs and Arsenal games.

Fabian Schar will miss both after accumulating yellow cards in the league and cup, but Emil Krafth won't be fit to step in on Saturday, as Howe revealed he's still sidelined with a collarbone issue.

“Sven is getting there", Howe said. "He's had a period of training which we knew he needed. He's had a little bit of illness in the last few days, but hopefully he'll get over that pretty quickly.

“We have depth in the squad that can cover any absentee and hopefully that's the case with Fabi, but yes, Sven will be in and around my thinking for sure, as will a few other players. Emil Krafth won't make it back in time for the next game, but apart from that we should have everyone available.”

Howe then admitted it will be a "big blow" to lose Schar for our next two games, with Bruno Guimaraes also suspended for next Tuesday's semi-final first leg at the Emirates.

“The coincidence is he (Schar) is going to miss two games, of course, because of the Carabao Cup game as well. So, it's a big blow for us and for him that we're going to have to change our backline because it's been so stable for us in the middle of the pitch.

“Fab and Dan (Burn) have built up a really good partnership, but that will give an opportunity to someone else and hopefully the team won't be adversely affected.”

Big praise for undroppable Burn

Dan Burn was a man mountain last night and helped us to our fourth straight clean sheet in the league.

Asked about his form and position in the team ahead of Botman's return to full fitness, Howe was full of praise for Burn, suggesting there's "no way" he could lose his place at present.

“I think as long as Dan continues to play in the way that he has this season, there's no way you can contemplate losing him from the backline,” Howe said.

"It's not just how he's played, but it's how he leads and his understanding of what I need the team to do I think is at the very highest level.

“I think Dan's been magnificent this year in every respect, but he needs to keep his level and I think he knows that. He's got not just Sven Botman, but Lloyd Kelly and other defenders that are waiting for their opportunities.”

With Botman unlikely to be rushed back and Krafth out, it could well be Lloyd Kelly who partners Burn at Spurs in Schar's absence.