Newcastle United’s injury record this season has been appalling. Eddie Howe has had to rely on so few players this season during a period in which Newcastle have had to play more games than ever before in recent memory. Clearly, that does not excuse players of poor performances but it does perhaps offer some context as to why it has been such a struggle at times. Take Sven Botman, for example. The defender confirmed he played on having suffered a serious knee injury without knowing, before avoiding having surgery. Upon his return, the £35m star looked a far cry from the imposing defender who a…