Newcastle United are facing a potential injury setback, amid concerns regarding summer signing Sven Botman following Saturday's win over Chelsea.

What's the word?

The highly-rated Dutchman - who arrived in England on a £35m deal in the recent window - was forced off in the closing stages at St James' Park, with it yet to be seen just how serious that issue could be heading into the upcoming World Cup break.

Speaking after that impressive 1-0 triumph, as per Newcastle World, manager Eddie Howe said of the centre-back's worrying withdrawal: "Sven, it seemed like he injured his ankle. We hope it’s not serious."

The former Bournemouth boss did provide a more positive update regarding striker Callum Wilson, who started on the bench yesterday, stating that the Englishman is "fully fit" despite the 30-year-old's recent bout of illness.

A big blow?

While that win over Graham Potter's side was the Magpies' last game until the end of December as a result of this mid-season, halt to proceedings, Howe will still seemingly be worried regarding the fitness of his starting centre-back, with it yet to be seen if the 22-year-old will now be facing a spell on the treatment table.

Thankfully as far as the Tynesiders are concerned, Botman will have ample time to rest and recuperate having been omitted from Louis van Gaal's Netherlands squad, despite initially being named in the 55-man provisional list.

That failure to earn an inclusion on the plane to Qatar had come as something of a surprise, however, with the 6 foot 4 brute having been in sparkling form at club level so far this season, forming a crucial part of a backline that has shipped a league-best record of just 11 goals.

The towering defender - who is yet to feature for his country at senior level - has started 12 top-flight games so far this term, having been particularly impressive last time out against the Blues, with the Chronicle's Lee Ryder awarding him an 8/10 rating for his rock-solid display, while stating: 'Proved to be a real star once again to help preserve another clean sheet. Some lovely touches for a defender.'

Such a performance against elite opposition has only rubberstamped the one-time Ajax man's importance to Howe and co, hence the current worry regarding whether or not the £33m-rated menace will be struck down for the long term.

It could now be an anxious wait as far as Newcastle - and their supporters - are concerned, to learn the full of extent of the issue. Should it rule him out of any further fixtures, it would undoubtedly come as a big blow to their top four ambitions.