SVEN BOTMAN is set to be out for at least six months after suffering an ACL injury.
The Newcastle star, 24, will undergo season-ending surgery next week.
Botman suffered the horror knee injury during the Toon’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City last week.
He was replaced by Emil Krafth 83 minutes into the contest.
Toon chiefs hope to have Botman fit again in six months.
But the injury could keep him out for as long as nine months.
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In a statement posted to their website, the Toon confirmed the Dutchman had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
It said: “Newcastle United defender Sven Botman will undergo surgery next week after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City.
“Following further assessment, a scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL during Saturday’s match and he is expected to return to action within six-to-nine months.
“The Dutch centre-back initially sustained a knee injury in September 2023 and elected for a non-surgical rehabilitation plan – a decision which saw him return to action in December.
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“Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery.”
In addition to ending his domestic season, Botman is now set to miss Euro 2024.
Botman is yet to be capped by the Netherlands due to stiff competition from the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Micky van de Ven and Matthijs de Ligt.
But he was named in their Nations League squad last summer.
Newcastle are 10th in the Premier League table, having struggled to live up to last season’s fourth-place finish.
They are 16 points behind Aston Villa who currently occupy the final guaranteed Champions League spot.
While they are four off West Ham in seventh, a position that would likely book a spot in the Europa Conference League.
Botman has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, with 17 coming in the Premier League.
He was only available for one of the Toon’s Champions League matches, playing the full 90 minutes as they drew 0-0 with AC Milan at the San Siro.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
