£35m Newcastle star now confirms he played with a big injury without knowing

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Blaming injuries alone for Newcastle United’s struggles this season would perhaps be too simplistic.

Indeed, while the fact that so many of Eddie Howe’s players have had to play so often due to a lack of available bodies has been picked up on by Jurgen Klopp, Alan Shearer has stopped short of blaming just fatigue.

Clearly, it does not excuse those who have played of poor performances but Newcastle have looked as if they are running on empty in recent weeks.

One of the key players to have missed so much action is Sven Botman. So impressive last season following a £35m move from Lille, the Dutchman has now opened up on his injury.

Sven Botman: Newcastle injury latest

Botman did not play between September’s win at Sheffield United and the victory over Fulham late last month.

Speaking to Keith Downie (posted on X – formerly Twitter), he has confirmed he in fact played on for two games after tearing his ACL ligaments in his knee, having not been aware of the significance of his injury.

“I did my knee against Brentford but then played two games after that (without realising),” he said.

“It blew up the day after Sheff United game and the scan showed some big damage in my knee.

“Some people (specialists) said it was a total rupture, others said that it wasn’t. So I’ve done everything to rest and avoid surgery.

“The operation would’ve kept me out for 9 months but I’m back and feeling like my old self again — so it seems like I made the right choice.”

Sven Botman injury: Newcastle star needs time

It’s worrying to think Botman could have suffered such a big injury without knowing.

While it is pleasing to hear he’s feeling back up to speed, its still concerning to imagine that happening again.

Clearly, Botman needs time. Though he’s not looked at his very best since returning (as noted by Shearer), it is now perfectly understandable why.

Now the schedule has eased somewhat in terms of how many games Newcastle need to play, hopefully he can get back to his best.