Whilst Newcastle United will be in no mind to rush Sven Botman back from his lengthy injury for the first-team, it was an excellent moment for the club when the defender returned to under-21 action on Monday evening.
Botman played 60 minutes alongside youngster Charlie McArthur at the heart of Newcastle’s defence in their 3-2 win over Chelsea.
Lewis Miley was the other notable name featuring in the game for the home side, playing 45 minutes as he too takes steps to reach full fitness once again.
Eddie Howe’s options will certainly be stronger for having both back available in the coming weeks and months, perhaps explaining why he was taking such a keen interest at Whitley Park.
Sven Botman surprised by Eddie Howe’s attendance during his injury return
Howe, Jason Tindall and the likes of Jamal Lascelles were all in attendance to watch Botman make his injury return – a classy gesture from senior figures at the club.
Botman was asked about their attendance in an interview after the full-time, and the defender admitted that he had no idea about their plans to wrap up and come down to watch the game.
Sven Botman features for Newcastle United whilst recovering from long term injury during the Premier League 2 match between Newcastle United U21 an...
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
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Speaking about his return initially, the Dutchman said: “Yeah, good feeling, just to get the whole feeling of the match day to test yourself again – it was a good day.
“If there’s a clean sheet then I’m always pleased, but it was more about myself and my injury and I’m pleased that everything went well – a good night.”
Botman was then asked about those figures mentioned who made the effort to come to the match.
He replied: “Yeah it’s always nice to see them around, I didn’t know that they were coming.
“But it’s been a long few months, my teammates have wished me all the best as well so it’s nice to see them here.”
Eddie Howe’s long-term back four is emerging at Newcastle
Judging by his minutes on Monday evening, it would seem likely that Botman may properly return early in the new year which would be a huge boost for Howe.
The Newcastle boss has settled on a duo of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar or late, but there’s no doubt that Botman is Schar’s preferred partner.
Interestingly, Lloyd Kelly hasn’t been able to disrupt Howe’s back line, even whilst Botman has been out for so long.
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Lewis Hall is going from strength to strength at left-back and a long-term back four is seemingly emerging.
Perhaps Schar will need to be replaced in time, but that certainly shouldn’t be a priority for the club right now.
Newcastle are unlikely to spend in January, a message that Howe has received loud and clear.
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