Newcastle
Mick Brown
Tue 3 December 2024 10:43, UK
Newcastle United have been handed a “major boost” by Sven Botman’s return to training as he continues his injury rehabilitation process.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland assistant manager Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the defender has been involved in recent training sessions.
This comes after Botman, 24, took to social media [@svenbotman_ on Instagram] to share: “Great to be out there with the team again. Go time soon!”
Newcastle have been without their star centre-back since he underwent surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament in March, but he has recently joined in with parts of first-team training.
Eddie Howe had previously been cautious in his updates about the defender’s return, but there is now a renewed optimism about a nearing return date.
The Magpies have had issues at centre-back and have highlighted it as a priority position ahead of the January transfer window, but their concerns may be eased by a speedy return for Botman.
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However, they will remain cautious with his recovery after having initially rushed him back from the injury, initially sustained in September 2023, which eventually resulted in his surgery in March.
Newcastle United handed ‘massive’ Sven Botman boost
As a result of his previous rush back from injury, there is a feeling that it will take time to integrate him back into the side, raising questions about their transfer targets in January.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience working closely with players at the top level including over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the defender will be given time to recover and find his form again.
“*I’ve heard he’s been back involved with training recently,*” he told Football Insider.
“There may still be a bit of time before he’s back playing, because it was a very serious injury he suffered, but it’ll be a major boost for them to have him back.
“He’s a player I recommended to West Ham when he was at Lille, but nothing came of it.
“He’s a big, strong, left-footed defender and he’s very comfortable in possession.
“And he’s been able to prove that while he’s been at Newcastle and become a key player for them.
“It feels a bit like you only realise what you’ve got when he’s gone, because he’s been such a big miss for them and there’s been a lot of talk about needing a new centre-back.
“I think his return would ease that need slightly, but he also needs to be given time to get back to his best.
“So they’ll give him time and they’ll assess the rest of the squad and see whether they still feel they need another option there, but his return is massive for Newcastle.”
In other news, major update emerges on Eddie Howe’s future.
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