Newcastle United injuries: There has been a positive injury U-turn regarding Sven Botman ahead of Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman is set to be back available sooner rather than later after undergoing surgery on a facial fracture.
The Dutch defender was forced off with the injury during Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at St James’ Park. The Magpies were leading 1-0 at the time.
Days after the defeat, Newcastle released an official statement, which read: “Newcastle United defender Sven Botman has undergone successful surgery on a facial fracture.
“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."
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Sven Botman injury boost
But those ‘hopes’ of being available before the end of the season could quickly become a reality with Botman understood to be in contention to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
It will mean the injury and surgery have ultimately seen him miss no matches. As part of his recovery, Botman will have to wear a protective mask as his injury heals.
Botman’s availability will be a welcome boost for Eddie Howe and his side, who are set to be without Fabian Schar for another month. Bruno Guimaraes is also set to miss the trip to Palace this weekend.
Eddie Howe issues NUFC team news latest after fresh setback confirmed
Providing an update on his side’s fitness, Howe said on Friday: “Fabian, unfortunately, suffered an infection in his foot.
“So, he's been in hospital having a very small operation to get that cleaned out. So, he won't return for around a month, we think. So, that's bad news on him.
“On everybody else, we're pretty good. Lewis trained and trained well with us. So, that's been a great thing for us to see, because we've missed him massively.
“And then, of course, you had Sandro [Tonali], who played during the international break anyway, with his injury from the Sunderland game. All others are in a good place.”
Although Howe didn’t comment on Botman explicitly, a representative of the club clarified moments after the press conference that Botman is ‘expected’ to be available on Sunday.
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