EDDIE HOWE has suggested that Sven Botman could be available to replace Fabian Schar in the first leg of Newcastle United’s semi-final in the Carabao Cup.

And the Magpies boss is also hoping Emil Krafth will be back in the frame for the opening game of the last-four at the start of next month.

Newcastle booked a place in the semi-finals of the League Cup for the second time in three seasons when they beat Brentford 3-1 at St James’ Park this evening.

However, the win came at a cost, with Schar and Bruno Guimaraes both picking up bookings that will keep them out of the first leg of the semi-finals, with Newcastle set to learn the identity of their opponents when the draw takes place tomorrow night.

The likes of Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff should be available to replace Guimaraes, but while Lloyd Kelly is an option at the back, Newcastle are lighter when it comes to central-defensive options.

That could have changed by the first week of January though, with Botman closing in on a first-team return after playing for the opening 45 minutes of an Under-21 game at the start of this week.

“Bruno and Fabby are two massive players for us,” said Howe. “They’re very consistent performers and we’re going to miss them massively, but that’s what the squad is for.

“It goes without saying that you want your best players available for the biggest games, and they’re two huge players for us. But we just have to accept it. There’s nothing we can do about it, we just have to get other players ready to perform.

“I thought Joe Willock looked bright when he came on today, so that’s a big plus for him. Sven is not too far away, and hopefully that can be added competition for the centre-back positions.

“We have players returning from injury, and hopefully the likes of Sven came make a big difference. Then we should also have Emil Krafth back in the not-too-distant future. I think Emil could be back (by the time the semi-final comes around). He’s improving nicely. He’s still some weeks off, but by the time that comes around, he could be available.”

Joelinton was forced off at the half-time interval of this evening’s game, with Howe revealing the Brazilian suffered a nasty cut to his ear in an incident that saw him trodden on by an opponent while he was prone on the floor.

The injury was being assessed after the final whistle, although Joelinton is unable to play in Saturday’s league game at Ipswich Town anyway as he is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season in Saturday’s win over Leicester.

“Joey had a cut to his ear, which I think was quite nasty, and he’s gone away to get that looked at,” said Howe.