Newcastle United defender provides injury update after devastating nine-month ACL setback

Sven Botman has posted footage of himself being put through his paces as he eyes a long-awaited Newcastle United return.

The Dutchman has not featured since undergoing surgery for an ACL injury in March. His last appearance came in the 3-2 defeat at Chelsea, with Eddie Howe playing a makeshift backline for the rest of the campaign.

Botman sensationally revealed that he played two games with a ruptured ACL at the start off last season. The initial problem occurred during the 1-0 win over Brentford but he played - and scored - a week later at Sheffield United.

His knee then “blew up” and resulted in him missing three months - returning just in time for the dismal festive run. Conflicting medical verdicts saw Botman opt against surgery but his performances were a far cry from his consistent displays the previous year.

The defender ultimately went under the knife in March and was ruled out for up to nine months - sidelining him until the back end of the year. NewcastleWorld have been told Botman remains “positive” despite the lengthy lay-off and is desperate to get back in action.

Losing the 24-year-old and club captain Jamaal Lascelles has forced Toon chiefs into a transfer rethink. Defence is now higher up the priority list, with Lloyd Kelly already agreeing terms ahead of a July 1 move.

Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are both options and rekindled a solid partnership towards the back end of 2023-24. Clips of Botman on a bike and enduring resistance training - as well as sources close to the Dutchman - suggest he may return sooner than expected.