Injured Newcastle United star who is a doubt v Brentford spotted at training ground

Sven Botman was back at Newcastle United’s training ground on Monday as continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

Having fallen awkwardly on his ankle against Liverpool six days earlier, the Dutchman missed Saturday evening’s 3-1 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Botman underwent a late fitness test before United left for the South Coast but “didn’t feel too good so he was ruled out” according to Eddie Howe.

The Magpies’ head coach admitted it was “unknown” whether or not the 23-year-old would return in time for the Premier League clash at home to Brentford after the international break.

But Botman’s latest social media activity offers hope of him being available. The defender uploaded a video from United’s Benton training centre this afternoon with the caption “back soon”.

In the former Ajax man’s absence at the weekend, Matt Targett came into the starting XI at left-back with Dan Burn moved into the centre of defence alongside Fabian Schar.

Newcastle shipped three goals after 18-year-old Irishman Evan Ferguson netted a hat-trick.

Asked if Botman would return for the Magpies’ fixture against Brentford on Saturday, September 16, Howe told NewcastleWorld: “Unknown, to be honest. I hoped he might have been fit for this game but he didn’t feel too good yesterday [Friday] so he was ruled out. We’ll see how quickly he improves.”

Botman had started 34 consecutive league games prior to missing the visit to the Amex Stadium. Because of injury, he wasn’t selected for the latest Netherlands squad but will use the time to work on his recovery.