Newcastle United fans give slightly surprising response to Sven Botman’s injury

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United fans have reacted to the news that Sven Botman could miss the final two games of the season due to injury.

The Magpies are just one win away from securing Champions League football next season, but they may have to do it without one of their key players.

Sven Botman returned to first-team action in January after 10 months out with a nasty ACL injury. However, the 25-year-old picked up another knee problem just a month later, causing him to miss a further six weeks of action.

Botman returned to Newcastle United’s first-team squad in April, coming on as a late substitute against Ipswich Town and made his first start since returning in Newcastle’s 2-0 win against Chelsea last Sunday.

However, Botman was taken off early by Howe, with the Newcastle manager confirming that it was due to discomfort in his knee.

With the news that Botman could miss the rest of the season, Newcastle fans have taken to social media to share their views.

Newcastle United fans react to Sven Botman injury news

After signing for £35m in 2022, Botman enjoyed a sensational first season for the Magpies, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

However, the 25-year-old has played just a handful of games this season as he works to find his fitness.

Newcastle risk being without Botman for the rest of the season, but some fans have taken surprisingly well to the news.

“It’s not really too worrying. We have managed without him for most of the season already. I think let him recover and come back fully fit for next season,” said one fan. Another added: “Big loss, no doubt — but we’ve navigated most of the season without Botman. Two games to go, Champions League in our own hands. Would’ve taken that deal in August. Time to finish the Job, Howay The Lads!”

This Newcastle fan suggested a tactical change, saying: “We just go 343 that turns into 541 against these two teams when defending. Krafth, Schar and Burn. Use Murphy and Gordon as wing-backs. Tonali and Bruno in the middle. Barnes, Isak and Osula up top.”

“The rest of the season” makes it sound a lot worse than he misses 10 days. We’ve managed 40 games this season without him I’m sure we can manage another 2.” said this convinced Newcastle fan.

Another fan added: “Let him recover for next season give him the time off anyway. He’s probably been rushed back too many times as it is. Absolutely no point people writing him off and saying sell him mind.”

Finally, this Newcastle fan said: “At least he came back at the right time to win us a vital game, speedy recovery, big man.”

• READ MORE – Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘top class’ Newcastle United target is expected to be sold this summer

Sven Botman reminds Newcastle United fans of former injury-prone star

While his injury setbacks have been anything but positive, Botman should be fine after a full pre-season and more rehabilitation.

One key positive is that Botman has looked great in the games he has played this season, showing his injuries have done nothing to diminish his quality.

However, some Newcastle fans are convinced Botman could be the second coming of former Toon defender Jonathan Woodgate, whose time on Tyneside was also hampered by injuries.

Alan Shearer picked Woodgate in his best Newcastle XI in 2017 after playing with him in the 2003/04 campaign.

Woodgate backed Eddie Howe when he became Newcastle manager in 2021, fans must now back Botman to recover and get back to his best.