Newcastle United could call-up 24-year-old to squad vs Aston Villa after injury blow

The Dutchman returned to first-team training last month after nine months out with an ACL injury. And last week, Botman was exposed to minutes for the under-21s, playing an hour against Chelsea last Monday night before featuring in a practice match over the weekend.

When asked if Botman could make a long-awaited return this week, Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe said: “Yeah, he’s getting closer. I’m pleased with how he’s been in the last couple of weeks, he’s had various tests whether that’s in training or in the games that you mention.

“He came through another practice match on Saturday where he did well, he’s looking good. It’s just a case of deciding when we’ll reintroduce him to the squad.”

United’s fixture list is jam-packed over the festive period with Villa and Manchester United to play this week before the New Year begins with visits to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. United then play three times in six days against Bromley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth.

So, when will be best to re-introduce Botman to the line-up? Dan Burn is currently performing well in the starting XI while summer signing Lloyd Kelly is also vying for a place.

“That's always the question, isn't it?” Howe replied. “Without a doubt we need a player of Sven's quality in the squad so we will welcome him back with open arms but the challenge for Sven is to earn his place back which is certainly not a given and that would be the same for anybody.

“When you've had such a long-term injury there will be a period where Sven will have to work back to his best level but that's the same for everybody. It's great to have competition for places, that's what we've missed.”