Newcastle United injuries: Sven Botman has been ruled out for a number of weeks following surgery as Fabian Schar nears a return.
Newcastle United have been dealt a fresh injury blow after Sven Botman’s withdrawal in the Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland on Sunday.
It comes as Swiss centre-back Fabian Schar closes in on a return from a three-month ankle injury that required surgery.
Botman has required surgery himself and is set for an ‘extended period’ on the sidelines, though it is hoped he will be back in action before the final game of the season.
The Magpies sit 12th in the Premier League table with seven games left to play following the 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park.
But a three-week break without matches gives the injured players in Eddie Howe’s squad time to recover get back to full fitness.
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Newcastle United release Sven Botman injury statement
Following Botman’s withdrawal against Sunderland, the Dutch defender required surgery. That was confirmed by the club in a brief statement released earlier this week.
“Newcastle United defender Sven Botman has undergone successful surgery on a facial fracture,” it read. “Following concussion protocol, the Dutchman was substituted after suffering the injury during the second half of Sunday's game against Sunderland at St James' Park.
“Sven is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period and hopes to be available again during the closing weeks of the season. Everybody at the club wishes Sven a swift recovery."
Newcastle United injury boost
Newcastle are hoping to have Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Schar back available after the international break.
“We anticipate he be back, hopefully, after the break,” Howe said on Miley. “Fingers crossed, the same for Bruno and also for Fabian.
"I know Bruno is feeling that frustration [of not playing] currently. It is the same for Lewy Miley, for Fabian Schar. They are huge players for us that we have really missed.”
Schar suffered an ankle injury in the 4-3 win over Leeds United at St James’ Park back in January and was given a three-month recovery timeframe following surgery which would put him back in contention by mid April.
Newcastle’s next Premier League match is against Crystal Palace on April 12, a return target for the defender.
Schar was recently out in Dubai working on his recovery was briefly stranded due to the turmoil in the Middle East.
“He's been working hard,” Howe told The Gazette. “He was in the Middle East training, of course that was difficult for him.
“But he's back, doing well. I think he's feeling good about his body, he's feeling good on his rehab.
“He's certainly been a big miss for us, Fabi. He's such a great user of the ball, and his passing range has been a huge miss to the team.
“And also his character, he's a great lad, and really well liked by his teammates. Hopefully, we can get him fit.
“We've got a good period of training time with him, so the Palace game, I'm sure, will be a target for him, whether that's realistic or not. But let's wait and see.”
Schar was in the stands at St James’ Park as Newcastle suffered a 2-1 derby defeat to Sunderland.
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