Sven Botman is closing in on a return from injury for Newcastle United.
The Dutch defender has been out of action since March, after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury. It has resulted in Sven Botman being absent for nine months, but now a comeback is close.
Eddie Howe says Botman is back in full training, with the 24-year-old edging closer towards being able to play for Newcastle United again.
Of course, Newcastle will want to take their time with the centre-back. He is coming back from a very severe injury, while the Magpies have been punished before for rushing players back.
With James Bunce serving as Newcastle’s performance director, there is absolutely no way that Botman will play a competitive game earlier than he needs to.
Sven Botman of Newcastle United (4) arrives for the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park ...
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Sven Botman set for Newcastle United return
But it is not going to be long before he is wearing those black and white stripes again.
That is according to the Athletic, who report that Botman is scheduled to play for Newcastle’s Under-21s side against Chelsea on December 16th.
The report adds that the plan is for Botman to play for the Newcastle first-team during the festive period.
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Newcastle United really need Sven Botman back as defensive issues emerge
As Botman gets closer and closer to his comeback, the Newcastle United defence is becoming a bit of a shambles.
One minute Newcastle could defend but not attack, now it is the other way around. In their previous two games, Eddie Howe’s side have shipped seven goals, most of which were very cheap.
Shearer said Newcastle were ‘hopeless’ defensively against Brentford, with Fabian Schar enduring an afternoon to forget at the Gtech Community Stadium.
While Newcastle will not want to rush Botman back into the starting XI, his presence will at least put Schar and Dan Burn under pressure – something they have not really had to deal with this season.
Botman’s looming return means their place in the side is under threat.
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