Newcastle United will be without centre-back Sven Botman for about eight weeks due to a knee injury, manager Eddie Howe confirms.
Botman, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in March 2024 and returned in January after a 10-month absence, has sustained an injury to his other knee.
The 25-year-old has played just five times for Newcastle this season since returning from injury, including three in the Premier League, and has missed Newcastle’s last five matches.
Magpies’ boss Howe says the Dutch defender requires a surgical procedure, which will keep him out for about two months.
“We have been trying to get him back to full fitness, he was very close to the Brighton game [on 2 March] but the day before he felt something again in his knee,” said Howe.
“This week he has had the same discomfort so it looks like he will have to have an operation.
“He needs a small operation to clear out some fluid and then he should be fine again.”
A chance to bounce back on Monday night. 👊 pic.twitter.com/L07ZiUbOTk
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 5, 2025
Newcastle are in Premier League action against West Ham United at London Stadium on Monday before taking on Liverpool at Wembley on 16 March in the League Cup final for a chance to win their first major title since 1955.
The Magpies, who will be without Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall for the crucial final against Liverpool, have added Botman to their list of absentees.
