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.