Football
Eddie Howe Provides Exciting Sven Botman Injury Update As Dutch Defender Nears Newcastle Return
Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.
Get to know Ben Horlock betterPublished06 Dec 2024
The latest Sven Botman injury update suggests that the towering Newcastle United defender is edging closer to a first-team return.
Manager Eddie Howe delivered some much-needed good news to ers regarding the Dutchman’s recovery from a long-standing knee problem.
On the eve of the vital clash against Brentford, Howe explained that the 24-year-old centre-back is likely to be in contention ‘in a few weeks.’
Magpies fans will be delighted that Botman is on the cusp of playing again soon. The former Lille star has not featured since he sustained an ACL injury against Manchester City in the FA Cup in March.
Prior to that, Botman suffered a similar knee issue earlier in the 2023/24 campaign. He decided not to have surgery at the time which ultimately, came back to haunt him.
Eddie Howe on Sven Botman progress:
"He is doing well, the initial moments in training were ive but now he is fully training. He is looking good in the 11v11s, he is still a few weeks off from playing competitively but he is looking good. It has been a big boost to have him… pic.twitter.com/QNp7I6NzWh
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 6, 2024
Sven Botman Injury Update Bodes Well For Newcastle United
During Friday’s pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe provided a hugely positive Sven Botman injury update to Newcastle fans.
“He is doing well, the initial moments in training were ive but now he is fully training. He is looking good in the 11v11s, he is still a few weeks off from playing competitively but he is looking good.
“It has been a big boost to have him training, he is a big guy and a big presence and we missed him.”
Botman’s imminent return does pose one certain question – who will he replace in the Magpies starting XI? Naturally, the Dutchman will not be rushed straight back into the side to feature week in, week out.
Local lad Dan Burn would perhaps be the obvious choice to step aside. However, the 6’7″ centre-back has performed superbly this season.
As to has Fabian Schar. The Switzerland star – like Burn – is a huge fans favourite on Tyneside. On Wednesday, his goal clinched a vital point in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
With the above in mind, Botman will have to earn his place back on Howe’s side. The player himself will certainly know this but regaining fitness with no setbacks is the only focus at present.
Botman signed for the Magpies in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £34.5 million. He has played a total of 53 Premier League games and netted on two occasions.