‘Ahead of schedule’ - Huge injury boost confirmed for Newcastle United as injury return date given

The Dutchman was instrumental during his debut campaign when Eddie Howe’s men qualified for the Champions League. Newcastle fans began getting excited about the prospect of having a future Premier League great on their hands.

However, a string of injuries have derailed Botman’s progress. The 25-year-old missed the bulk of 2024 after going under the knife for an ACL tear in March.

When he returned in January, Botman lasted just five games before tweaking his opposite knee. NewcastleWorld reported at the time that the centre-back was a severe doubt for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

That proved to be true, with Botman given an eight-week timeline - putting his return date to the first week of May. The Toon star has been snapped in Dubai at the elite NAS Sports Complex, a site the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Arsenal have used to conduct warm-weather training. 

Those extra recovery sessions appear to have paid off as Botman is now “ahead of schedule” - and could return next week against Ipswich Town. Speaking to reporters before tomorrow’s trip to Aston Villa, stand-in boss Tindall revealed the good news.

“Certainly not this weekend (whether Botman could play against Villa),” he said. “It’s too soon for him this weekend. But as I said, he’s ahead of schedule. He’s back on the grass now and joining in with some parts of training.

“Maybe next weekend he could be involved or available for selection. But again, that will be assessed over the next coming days. But we’re certainly pleased with his progress.”

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