Eddie Howe admits Sven Botman was dealing with a minor groin issue during Newcastle United's emphatic win away at Arsenal on Tuesday evening.

With Fabian Schar suspended, the Dutchman started his second game in four games after being welcomed back into Howe's setup following a 294-day absence courtesy of an ACL injury. Botman, again, excelled alongside Dan Burn as the Magpies kept Arsenal out to take a healthy 2-0 lead into the reverse fixture at St James' Park next month.

Sunday's FA Cup clash with Bromley would likely have been the ideal time to rest Botman after 180 minutes of football in recent days but Howe may not have any choice but to leave the centre-back out after it was confirmed he was nursing a slight issue during the Emirates Stadium encounter.

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“He was just feeling his groin,” the Newcastle boss said at full-time. “He felt that he was able to continue, and with him and the medical staff, we felt that he was able to go out for the second half.

“You wouldn’t have known that there was any issue with him, but I think he was naturally fatigued. For him to play in the way that he has in the last two games, after so long out, in such a tight turnaround, was hugely impressive.

“I think it just shows where Sven is mentally. He was a warrior for us in our Champions League season, and we’'ve really, really missed him. I'm delighted with how he's done, and he deserves all the plaudits for that.”

Newcastle will also be assessing Alexander Isak's fitness with the striker leaving the field midway through the second-half. After finding the net and having a hand in Anthony Gordon's goal, many thought Howe was withdrawing the striker to throw on an extra defender in Lloyd Kelly. However, after the game the Toon boss confirmed Isak felt a slight issue in his hamstring before making way in the capital.

Newcastle welcome League Two side Bromley to St James' Park this weekend with Howe expected to make wholesale changes after a hectic festive period. The likes of Kelly, Matt Targett, Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff, Will Osula and Harvey Barnes could return from the outset as the Magpies aim for round four.