· December 16 2024, 18:30
Eddie Howe is yet to welcome Sven Botman back to the Newcastle United squad following the Dutchman's ACL surgery earlier this year.
When the injury and surgery confirmed it was stated that Sven Botman would not play for Newcastle United again in 2024, and while the 24-year-old is back in training, there's still a long way to go before he will be passed fit enough for first-team action.
There's a chance that the former Lille centre-back will be available for selection this year with the game against Manchester United on 30th December mooted as a potential return date, but with James Bunce casting his eye over things, the club are highly unlikely to rush him back even if he's 99% fit.
However, part of his recovery will be to test him in match conditions and that's set to happen this evening as Newcastle Under 21s take on Chelsea Under 21s at Whitley Park.
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Sven Botman starts for NUFC U21s tonight at Whitley Park
Sven Botman has been confirmed as being in the starting XI for Newcastle tonight and it will be a huge test for the defender to see how strong his knee is as he builds up strength and match sharpness again.
We doubt that Botman will play the full game, maybe 45 minutes to an hour, but the fact that he's back on the pitch is a massive boost to Newcastle.
The Magpies have been pretty thin on the ground when it comes to defenders, especially after not managing to secure a new centre-back in the summer.
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Eddie Howe is getting closer to having his ultimate starting XI available
However, with Botman close to a return and Jamaal Lascelles not far behind after undergoing the same surgery at the same time, Newcastle are starting to get options back for Eddie Howe.
We've got everything crossed that Botman comes through tonight's test ok and that we see him back in first-team action soon.
Over to you, Jamaal. What's taking you so long?