West Ham given huge boost as Newcastle United suffer major injury blow ahead of Premier League clash

West Ham United will face a European rival without their first-choice centre-back when they travel up the A1 next weekend.

Newcastle United announced yesterday that Sven Botman ruptured his ACL in their 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. Earlier in the campaign, the Dutchman unknowingly played against AC Milan and Sheffield United with a tear in his knee ligament.

That setback ruled him out for three months as he opted against surgery - but his form nosedived once returning to the team. Botman has been part of a Newcastle side to have shipped in 25 goals from their last 10 top-flight fixtures.

The 24-year-old hobbled off in the closing stages at the Etihad last Saturday and will go under the knife - ruling him out for up to nine months. In reserve, the Magpies will either shift Dan Burn to centre-back alongside Fabian Schar or call upon club captain Jamaal Lascelles.

The news hands a major boost to West Ham ahead of the trip to St James’ Park as well as their European hopes. Newcastle already had a crippling absentee list but Botman’s injury is the latest blow.

Injuries have hampered Eddie Howe’s chances of replicating last season’s Champions League heroics, with marquee arrival Sandro Tonali also sidelined after breaching betting regulations. As it stands, Newcastle are four points behind the Hammers despite playing a game less.

Next weekend’s clash on Tyneside can be viewed as a six-pointer in the fight for European football. Brighton and Wolverhampton Wanderers also travel to Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively - placing added importance on the clash.