Knee Mishap Sidelines Defender Before Cup Clash…

When you hope for a miracle but end up with a knee operation instead – that’s the story for Sven Botman this week! Just as he was eyeing a grand return to the pitch, Newcastle’s unlucky defender heard the cruel twist of the fate fairy making him bow out of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

Determined to lean on one crutch less, Botman started a handful of matches, only to vanish at half-time against Bournemouth like a magician ditching a particularly unpleasant trick. Eddie Howe, playing weekend weatherman, predicted Sven’s sunny return for the FA Cup clash with Brighton. Alas, our weather app was lying to us! Some more villainous knee-resistance sealed the deal for a small surgery fiesta and an eight-week recovery slumber.

While Newcastle salivates over chances at Wembley, a Greek tragedy unfolds. ‘Oh dear!’ resonates as Anthony Gordon waves goodbye after seeing red against Brighton, leaving the next three matches’ door firmly shut in his face. Like a soap drama twist, Lewis Hall will now be binge-watching the season finale from the sideline because of a pesky foot injury, dashing Wembley dreams. Fans may just need a few tubs of popcorn to manage this unfolding saga!