Photo: Sven Botman wears number four during first Newcastle training session

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Sven Botman finally began training with Newcastle United yesterday.

The defender’s extended break came to an end, having been given extra time off due to representing his country after the domestic season ended.

The 22-year-old took time out of his holiday to sign for the Magpies, but then returned to his break. But now the hard work begins after Botman reported to the training ground on Wednesday.

He was joined by another new signing in Nick Pope, as well as all the other international players in Eddie Howe’s squad.

The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier are back too, meaning Howe can fully begin his pre-season preparations.

They will link up with the rest of the squad, and the club have now released pictures of the international stars returning to training on their official website.

Sven Botman pictured wearing Matty Longstaff’s number four

Newcastle’s new signings haven’t been given shirt numbers ahead of the new season, but perhaps the training kit hints at the jerseys they will wear.

During his first day of training, £35million recruit Botman donned the number four on his training gear. That’s the shirt number he wore for Lille in his final season before joining Newcastle.

But that has belonged to Matty Longstaff, who was given it in 2020 after signing a new contract. However, he hasn’t worn it much competitively, and could now reportedly leave this summer.

He’s currently training with the Under-23s alongside Dwight Gayle, Jeff Hendrick and Ciaran Clark.

That could mean the number four is going to become vacant, and Botman is already wearing it in training.

Newcastle’s other new recruits have been given numbers for training. Matt Targett continues as number 13, which is what he wore during his loan spell.

As for Nick Pope, he’s been given number 22, which is currently vacant at St James’ Park. It hasn’t been worn since DeAndre Yedlin left the club in February 2021.

While these may not be the official shirt numbers, it should serve as an indication. We will hopefully find out more when the players kick off their pre-season schedule on Saturday against Gateshead.