Newcastle United fans received the news this week that Sven Botman's season was likely over after picking up yet another knee injury.
It didn't come as much of a shock to anyone, as we expected the club to just let him take the rest of the season off and make sure he was right for the next campaign.
Instead, Botman has made a couple of appearances since returning from his latest setback, and when the Dutch defender was complaining of discomfort at half time during the Magpies' 2-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, Eddie Howe waited just ten minutes before taking him out of the game.
Rumours began to swirl on social media, later confirmed by journalists that Botman had picked up another knock and that his season is likely over.
Advertisement
Eddie Howe says Sven Botman's injury isn't as bad as first feared
Thankfully, the latest news from Eddie Howe as he faced the media this morning is that things aren't as bad as being reported.
"Yeah, it was a knock actually. I think he sort of got a bang on his knee - it was sore.
"We're not sure about Sven's availability for the weekend, we'll give him every chance to be fit. We don't think it's a serious one.
"No, no, that's not the case at all [new injury related to ACL?].
"I think he's been unlucky with the ACLs. Obviously I think the first injury he had came from a knock as well.
"That ended up being a really minor operation, but you're gonna get knocks and bangs and bruises in the position that he plays.
"This is a similar type of thing. I think he's just been really unlucky on the last two occasions."
Advertisement
Let the lad recover fully and prepare for next season
So it's great that it's not as bad as first feared, but it does sound like we may not see Botman again this season, despite Howe hinting that he could still be fit for Sunday.
I can't speak for all Newcastle fans, but I'm sure the majority of us would prefer they just let the lad rest and recover so he can play 38+ games next season.
Hopefully, Botman will have a new defensive partner next season too, and the pair can begin to forge a new, elite, long-term partnership.