Newcastle United defender Sven Botman will be sidelined for about eight weeks after suffering another knee injury, manager Eddie Howe confirmed.
The 25-year-old Netherlands international recently returned from a 10-month layoff following an anterior cruciate ligament tear in March 2024. However, he has now sustained an issue in his other knee, requiring surgery.
“We have been trying to get him back to full fitness,” Howe said. “He was very close to the Brighton game [on 2 March], but the day before, he felt something in his knee again. This week, he has had the same discomfort, so it looks like he will have to have an operation.”
Botman has made only five appearances this season and has already missed Newcastle’s past five matches. Howe stated that the upcoming procedure would “clear out some fluid” and should allow the defender to return in two months.
Botman’s injury adds to Newcastle’s selection woes ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on 16 March. Defender Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury, while forward Anthony Gordon will miss the final due to suspension.
Gordon was sent off in Newcastle’s FA Cup fifth-round loss to Brighton for making contact with defender Jan Paul van Hecke’s face. The club opted against appealing the decision.
“There was no intention from Anthony. He didn’t mean to hurt anybody,” Howe said. “But you have to ask if there’s any chance of success, and if there isn’t, then what’s the point of appealing? Anthony understands that.”
Newcastle will now have to reshuffle their squad as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures without key players.
