Newcastle United star ruled out for three months has just hinted at major comeback v Fulham

Sven Botman is likely to be named in Newcastle United's matchday squad against Fulham this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The Dutch defender has missed the last three months with a knee injury. His last appearance was the 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September, where he netted his first goal since joining from Lille for £35million in 2022.

Botman was initially scheduled to return around late October or early November but his knee swelled when back in light training. United feared he might have to undergo surgery but fortunately has responded well in recent weeks.

And the 23-year-old has dropped a major hint over his involvement versus Fulham after uploading a matchday graphic to Instagram, something Botman hasn't done during his time out.

In the centre-back's absence, club captain Jamaal Lascelles has stepped up to partner Fabian Schar. But Botman's imminent return is a major boost for Newcastle, who face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last eight, plus Luton Town, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the next 17 days.

After weeks of injuries piling up, United, in the last seven days, have managed to nurse Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn back to fitness. Howe, however, is reluctant to say the injury situation is turning.

Indeed, the head coach revealed on Friday morning that Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock have suffered setbacks and won't return until January at the earliest.

"I'm reluctant to say that," said Howe. "It's mixed and it's been mainly negative for so long on the injury front but we've battled through. We're getting players back but we're not getting them back in their best physical condition. 

"Dan Burn is close to being back, Sean Longstaff is close to being back. We're just having to manage them so they stay back. 

"Joe Willock is in a period where he's a couple of injections into his Achilles which has been a longstanding problem for him. A difficult injury. Where in the process of trying to get him back fit this side of January.

"And that will be the same for Harvey. Unfortunately he didn't have surgery on his foot, the specialist felt he would be OK and we're still hoping it's not longer term and he won't need an operation but we're still in that phase of whether he's going to come back or not.