Eddie Howe has some very positive injury news ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies start 2025 with a trip to the capital, with Newcastle predicted to beat Tottenham on Saturday.
That will be easier said than done, but Eddie Howe will be boosted by the return of Sven Botman.
The Dutchman has not played for Newcastle United since March 2024, but is available for selection once again after recovering from an ACL injury.
What Eddie Howe has said about Sven Botman
While Lloyd Kelly is predicted to start for Newcastle against Spurs, Howe does at least have the luxury of being able to choose Botman.
The Newcastle United manager spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of the game against Tottenham, and provided an exciting update on Botman.
“I always said Sven will be in and around the Christmas games,” he said.
“He has worked incredibly hard to get himself into a good condition, he has had three games, he is in and around my thoughts. I will have to make a decision on who best fits that position, but it is great to have Sven back around.
“If Sven is in the squad, it is because he is fit and ready.”
Newcastle also receive Nick Pope boost
With Botman back in the fold, Newcastle United are not far away from having a fully fit squad.
Callum Wilson is still injured, while the Magpies are also without Nick Pope due to a knee issue.
He has missed Newcastle’s last five games, with Martin Dubravka performing very well in the England international’s absence.
Howe has now provided an update on Pope’s knee injury, with the Toon boss stating that he is back on the grass as he continues his recovery.
“Nick is starting goalkeeping work so he’s back on the grass,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
“He’s not yet fully training with the group.”
Pope fitness will impact Newcastle’s transfer business
Dubravka has done very well since coming into the side to replace Pope.
However, it has come at a very difficult time. That is because Dubravka is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, as he enters the final six months of his Toon contract.
It is an ideal time to move the 35-year-old on and get his wages off the books, but Howe will be reluctant to let him leave at a time when he is in the starting XI.
It has been claimed that Newcastle could let Dubravka go towards the end of January if Pope returns to fitness, and it sounds like the former Burnley stopper is not a million miles away from a comeback.
While it remains unclear when he he will be fit enough to play again, Howe’s latest update on Pope is certainly positive.
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