· December 17 2024, 10:00
Sven Botman made his long-awaited return from injury last night turning out for Newcastle United U21s at Whitley Park.
The Dutchman started the game for the reserves against Chelsea, his first match experience in nine months helping the lads win 3-2 on the night.
Botman was given an hour of game time on the night and as posted on X by Craig Hope, when he exited the field he was greeted by a group of his teammates who had got wrapped up to come out and watch his comeback.
Also given 45 minutes on their road to recovery was youngster Lewis Miley which should be another boost for Eddie Howe going into the new year.
Advertisement
Botman was touched that so many of his teammates turned out to watch him on Monday night
Speaking after the game last night to newcastleunited.com, Botman spoke of how good it was to test himself in a match scenario and went on to admit it was a nice surprise to see the lads turn out to support him at Whitley Park.
“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.”
“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.”
Advertisement
The return of Sven Botman will be like a new signing for Newcastle
It'll still be a couple of weeks at least before we see Botman or Miley back in Eddie Howe's first team, but both seem to be on the right track.
Having Botman back is genuinely going to be like having a new signing, not just in terms of having an extra body, but in that we'll have to allow him time to get back up to speed.
Dan Burn is likely to have mixed feelings on the whole thing. Seeing Botman return will be a massive boost, but Burn will know that once he's fully fit, he's going to be relegated to the bench.