Eddie Howe shares how Sven Botman is feeling after exchanging messages last night on his Newcastle return

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Eddie Howe has given his verdict on Sven Botman’s Newcastle United return.

The 24-year-old played for Newcastle United Under-21s on Monday night, nine months after his last Toon appearance.

He played an hour as the Magpies beat Chelsea 3-2 at Whitley Park, with Sven Botman delighted to return after such a lengthy absence.

Botman performed well on his Newcastle comeback, with Eddie Howe in attendance to see the Dutchman in action.

Eddie Howe delivers Sven Botman verdict after Newcastle United comeback on Monday night

Now the Newcastle United manager has given his verdict on Botman’s return.

Eddie Howe has said during his pre-match press conference before facing Brentford in the Carabao Cup that he exchanged messages with the centre-back after his appearance for the Under-21s on Monday night.

“He was good last night, he seemed in a good place, we exchanged messages [after the game],” he said.

“His movement was good, commanding and a big presence on the pitch. We have missed him. That was a good step for him to get back on the pitch.

“We are looking at the end of December or start of January, give him a few more games to get him back on track.”

Newcastle United will be careful with Sven Botman despite return excitement

As Howe says, there will be no rush to get Botman back in the first-team.

He is still undergoing the final stage of his recovery, which means building up his fitness by playing for the Under-21s. It would not be a surprise if he joins the young Magpies again in the coming weeks.

Howe says Botman might not be back until early January, with the Toon boss eager to ensure that no mistakes are made so late in the day.

Personally, I do not think we will see Botman start for the Newcastle United first-team until the FA Cup third round clash with Bromley on January 12th.

That feels like the ideal opportunity to thrust Botman back into the starting lineup. Until then, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn will continue playing alongside each other at centre-back.

But it is great that Botman is able to play again, and that he appears to have came through his comeback game for the Under-21s unscathed.

Howe liked what he saw from Botman, and it will not be too long before he is back in Premier League action.