Sven Botman returns! Exactly nine months to the day

4 days ago 55

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It was on 16 March 2024, Sven Botman last turned out for Newcastle United.

A 2-0 FA Cup defeat away to Manchester City.

Sven Botman subbed off in the 83rd minute of that match and an operation quickly followed that appearance, for his ACL injury.

Now exactly nine months after that Man City game, the Dutch defender is making a playing return tonight.

Sven Botman starting for the Newcastle United Under 21s at Whitley Park on Monday night, up against Chelsea Under 21s.

It is a 7pm kick-off and admission is free to season ticket holders but £3 for adults and £1 concessions who aren’t (ST holders), with payment by cash at the gate.

Eddie Howe hadn’t given any indication as to whether Sven Botman would be playing tonight but once again on Friday at his press conference, the Head Coach confirmed the defender is making a good recovery.

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman – 13 December 2024:

“He’s been training consistently now for around four weeks but that was the plan.

“We are taking medical advice and trying to follow the right protocols for the injury he’s had to try and make sure we give him the best chance to stay fit.

“The plan is late December or early January, at the earliest, he will be available for us.”

From previous experience of long-time injured returning, I guess most likely Sven Botman will play the first 45 minutes tonight, in his first competitive game back.

Also in the starting eleven tonight against the Chelsea Under 21s are Lewis Miley and Alex Murphy.

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 14 December – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)

Wednesday 18 December – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)