Sven Botman

Botman is still ramping up his fitness after picking up a slight groin issue in Tuesday's 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Arsenal, according to manager Eddie Howe, per Scott Wilson of the Nothern Echo. "Sven was feeling a groin."

Botman experienced some fatigue during his first Premier League appearance after recovering from a long-term knee injury. Coach Eddie Howe mentioned that while the defender is eager to play in the upcoming cup match, the decision will depend on input from the player, the medical team, and experts. Howe noted, "He feels good. Naturally a little bit of fatigue at the end of the game. It was a long absence, but he's trained for a long, long time for this moment. From the Aston Villa game onwards, he has been cleared to play, but we wanted to give him longer to try and reach his best physical levels. He was straight into action and did very well...really pleased with him. It's a combination, we have to speak to the player, the medical team, the experts. They'll give me some of the answers to what we do with him next. But he's a competitor. He is hugely driven for the team and himself. So I've no doubts what he will say but, as I say, we need to speak to other people and make the right decision."

Botman recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. He was injured and subbed out in the 92nd minute.

Botman (knee) is in the initial XI to face Tottenham on Saturday.

Botman (knee) could be available for Saturday's clash against Tottenham. Coach Eddie Howe confirmed in a press conference, "I always said Sven will be in and around the Christmas games. He has worked incredibly hard to get himself into a good condition. He has had three games, he is in and around my thoughts. I will have to make a decision on who best fits that position, but it is great to have Sven back around. If Sven is in the squad, it is because he is fit and ready."