£35m Newcastle United star ruled out for two weeks amid training ground update


The Dutchman initially suffered a partial ACL tear in September last year and opted for a non-surgical rehabilitation plan. He resumed playing in December but looked way off his best, eventually resulting in surgery three months later in March.
Botman has resumed full training in recent weeks but the Magpies won’t rush him back to first-team action. The 24-year-old is pencilled in to play for the club’s second string against Chelsea at Whitley Park tonight.
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Providing an update on Friday, head coach Eddie Howe said: "He's been training consistently now for around four weeks but that was the plan. We are taking medical advice and trying to follow the right protocols for the injury he's had to try and make sure we give him the best chance to stay fit.
That could see Botman return for Newcastle’s visit to Manchester United on December 30 or the opening game of 2025 away to Tottenham Hotspur on January 4.
Botman recently revealed his excitement about the prospect of playing at St James’ Park again.
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Hide Ad"It's what I've been thinking about the last seven months and it would mean a lot," said the former Ajax defender. "Playing football is something I love to do and when you're injured for such a long time, you feel like you're standing still when other people are moving forward.
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