Sven Botman enjoyed a blistering debut campaign at Newcastle United, but his second season was much tougher.
It was a campaign that was crippled by fitness problems, with Sven Botman suffering two serious knee injuries that forced him to miss 29 Newcastle United games.
The Dutchman had actually started the season brightly, and produced a wonderous display away to AC Milan as Newcastle drew 0-0 at the San Siro. Interestingly, he was already carrying his first knee injury during that game, before going on to miss months of action.
After opting not to have surgery, Botman struggled on his return. The 24-year-old never really got back to his best, and went on to suffer another ACL injury away to Manchester City in the FA Cup.
That was Botman’s last appearance for the Magpies, and he underwent surgery soon after.
Sven Botman injury update
It was a huge blow to lose Botman to injury, during a season in which Newcastle had a relentless amount of fitness problems.
And the fear with Botman was the long-term nature of the injury, with concerns that he might not be fit to play again until 2025.
It is still unclear exactly what we he will be back, but a positive update on his condition has emerged via journalist Joel Bland.
He has taken to X to provide an update on Botman’s recovery, whilst also sharing some good news regarding Joe Willock, who also ended last season injured.
Bland wrote: “On a more positive note on the #NUFC injury front, Sven Botman is a fair bit ahead of schedule. Willock will also be fine for the start of the season.”
Newcastle can afford to take their time with Botman
It is great to read that Botman is ahead of schedule. It has certainly looked that way on his social media channels, with Botman posting videos on Instagram of him training.
However, there is still a long way to go for Botman, who is on the back of two serious injuries in less than a year. It will take him time to build up his strength and get back to 100%, and time is something that Newcastle have on their side.
While it would be great to get Botman back as soon as possible, the Magpies do have options in his position. Dan Burn was exceptional at centre-back at the end of last season, while the club have also signed Lloyd Kelly.
Eddie Howe has got plenty of cover at left centre-back, which means there should be no rush when it comes to Botman’s recovery.
Positive news regarding Joe Willock
Bland also believes that Willock will be ready in time for next season. That will delight Eddie Howe, who decided to end Willock’s season early due to an Achilles problem.
The midfielder is another player who had an injury-ravaged 2023/24 season, missing 37 games in total.
But the hope is that he will return soon, and he has been seen training with Toon teammate Tino Livramento during the off-season.
While Newcastle can take their time with Botman, there will be an eagerness to get Willock back as soon as possible. That is because the Magpies will start the season short of midfielders, with Elliot Anderson sold, Lewis Miley injured and Sandro Tonali suspended. On top of that, Bruno Guimaraes will likely get an extended break as he continues to compete at the Copa America.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
