Newcastle United desperately need Sven Botman back from injury.
The 25-year-old has missed six games in a row with a back problem, and that will become seven when Newcastle United face Chelsea on Saturday.
Sven Botman’s injury comes at a time when the Magpies are enduring an injury crisis at the back. Eddie Howe is desperately short of options, with Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth out of action too.
Newcastle United need some relief, and it could potentially come from Botman in the relatively near future.
The injury list grows 🤕 Who will we miss the most vs Chelsea?
There's a chance Lewis Hall could return, but the rest could be absent.
When Sven Botman could return from injury
While Botman’s injury has frustrated Newcastle fans, a comeback might not be too far away.
Eddie Howe has not publicly said when they expect to have the Dutchman available again, but a new report from the Daily Mail suggests it could be very soon.
They have reported that Botman is making ‘good progress’ with regards to his recovery, and could be available to play again either in late December or early January.
That would suggest the £32million centre-back could return against Burnley on 30th December or Crystal Palace on 4th January.
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How Newcastle United feel internally about Sven Botman
It has been a tough few years for Botman. The 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns were hindered by two horrendous knee injuries, and now another fitness problem is plaguing him.
Thankfully it has nothing to do with his knees, and there were signs he was truly over those injuries earlier in the season.
After starting the current season on the bench, Botman struck up an incredible partnership with summer signing Malick Thiaw.
Here’s our predicted XI to face Chelsea! What changes would you make? ⚫⚪
Options are limited 😂
While all eyes were on the German defender for his incredible start to life on Tyneside, Botman deserved just as much credit for his return to form. Newcastle think Thiaw and Botman are their long-term centre-backs, and it will hopefully not be too long before they are reunited in the short-term.
That will depend on the speed of Botman’s recovery, and the performances of Fabian Schar. He has come back into the team in the absence of Botman and Burn, and will be eager to retain his place in the starting XI.
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