Sven Botman, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali injury latest from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe could not confirm whether Sven Botman or Joelinton would be back for Newcastle’s trip to Liverpool on Wednesday, but Sandro Tonali will be available. The Magpies travel to Anfield this week as they look to build on a dramatic 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

However, they face the toughest task in the Premier League at the moment, with the Reds sitting 11 points clear at the top of the table. Ahead of the game, there remains some uncertainty over Botman and Joelinton’s availability. The Dutch defender returned from a serious knee injury in January and made his first three Premier League appearances of the season.

He also impressed in the two wins over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, but suffered another problem in the second leg against the Gunners on 5 February and hasn’t played since. The 25-year-old is expected to return soon, but whether or not it is on Wednesday is yet to be seen.

Howe told a press conference on Tuesday morning: ‘Sven’s improving and he’s improving quickly, so we’ll see whether he makes it. It’ll be close.’. Joelinton has also been struggling with a knee problem and Howe said of the Brazilian: ‘Again with Joe, it is similar to Sven he is really improving and doing really well and pushing.

‘He is another player who could be quite close. Joe is always important from a number of perspectives especially in defending set-pieces. ‘He has those key aspects that we have missed when he’s not there, his physicality and strength there is an obvious presence missing in our midfield, Joey is a massive player for us.’.

There was better news on Tonali, though, who was not at full fitness when he came off the bench against Forest on Sunday, but has not suffered any ill effects. ‘He came through the game fine I anticipate now he’ll be fully fit,’ Howe said of the Italian.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope returned from a lengthy injury lay-off in the win over Forest, with Howe praising Martin Dubravka’s response to returning to the bench. ‘Of course I had a conversation with Martin,’ said Howe. ‘It’s always difficult because every player wants to play and I have many difficult conversations with many players on a regular basis and that’s part of my job.

‘But Martin’s a top professional and he will respond in the right way.’. Arrow MORE: Morgan Rogers injury latest from Aston Villa boss ahead of Crystal Palace trip. Arrow MORE: Andres Iniesta names Arsenal hero in his top five players of all time. Arrow MORE: Jamie Carragher names Liverpool’s biggest rival for the Premier League title next season.