Sven Botman return hint as Newcastle United’s £32m ‘colossus’ shares ACL injury update

Sven Botman has told his Instagram followers “the time is coming” as he nears a return from an ACL injury.

Eddie Howe was dealt a monumental blow during last season’s run-in when the Dutchman was forced to go under the knife. Botman sensationally tore his ligaments against Brentford and played two games before being hit with a three-month lay-off.

Toon doctors chose not to go down the surgery route but the 24-year-old was not the same defender when he returned. Ultimately, Botman bit the bullet and received treatment, a procedure that ruled him out for six to nine months.

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Newcastle have been light at centre-back since and Botman’s absence was a key reason behind their summer desperation for Marc Guehi. The Magpies tried - and failed - throughout August to break Crystal Palace’s resolve for the England international despite placing a bid worth £70million including add-ons.

Failing to sign an alternative leaves Howe with Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lloyd Kelly and Emil Krafth as senior centre-back options until Botman’s return. The Toon boss revealed the Dutchman and Jamaal Lascelles, who also tore his ACL, would be out for a while when asked last month.

“I wouldn't expect either player back for months,” Howe told reporters. “I think they are sort of around about halfway through their timetable of recovery. So a long way ahead for both players.”

Paul Mitchell also let slip a week ago that Botman’s return date was on the pessimistic end of the six-to-nine-month scale. Sources told NewcastleWorld that he was “doing well” and “excited” about returning to action.

Botman has now posted a telling update on his social media followers. A cheeky Instagram update from the training ground showed the centre-back hinting at not being far away from joining in with regular training.