Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an update on Sven Botman’s fitness, amid the Magpies’ pursuit of another centre-back.
Lloyd Kelly has already arrived at St James’ Park this summer, but he looks set to be followed by another central defender.
Newcastle United are aiming to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, with the 24-year-old eager to move to Tyneside.
His arrival will mean that the Magpies are well stocked at the heart of defence, at a time when Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are out of action with injury. They both suffered ACL injuries earlier this year, and it is unclear when they will be available again.
Sven Botman’s social media updates have offered encouragement
Botman actually suffered two ACL injuries last season, in what was an injury ridden year for the 24-year-old.
He sustained the second in March during an FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, and underwent surgery shortly after.
Since going under the knife, there have been reports that Botman is ahead of schedule on his road to recovery, while the man himself has provided promising updates on his progress.
Botman recently posted on Instagram that he was ‘getting closer’, sharing a picture of him at the Newcastle United training ground.
Eddie Howe comments on Sven Botman’s injury
But while Botman might be getting closer, he is still a long way away from returning to action.
That is according to according to Eddie Howe, who has spoken to the Shields Gazette about Botman and Lascelles’ rehabilitation.
“[Lascelles and Botman] are longer-term with knee injuries but we hope maybe towards the end of the year that they’ll be closer,” he said.
Newcastle have plenty of cover as they await Botman’s return
While Botman is making progress, he still might not return until towards the end of 2024. That is a shame, a he is a massive player for Newcastle United.
However, the Magpies should have plenty of cover during his absence. Dan Burn is excelling at centre-back, while Lloyd Kelly has joined the club.
Elsewhere, Marc Guehi can operate as a left-sided centre-back, if Newcastle are able to complete a deal for the England international.
With that in mind, there is no need to rush Botman back from such a nasty injury.
Matt Targett set to return
While Botman is going to be unavailable for a few more months, it might not be long before Matt Targett is fit to feature again.
The left-back also endured an injury ridden 2023/24 season, making just seven appearances in total.
Targett has been absent with an Achilles problem, and did not travel to Germany or Japan for Newcastle’s pre-season preparations.
However, Howe has told the Shields Gazette that the 28-year-old could be back in training very soon.
“Matt’s close,” he said.
“We anticipate he’ll hopefully return to training probably in the build-up to Southampton. That was the plan.”
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