Newcastle United news: Steve Howey on Sven Botman’s return

Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes Sven Botman’s return to full fitness would be as good as having a new signing.

The Dutch defender has suffered numerous setbacks in the past couple of seasons including an ACL injury in March 2024.

“He’s got to be thankful really of how medicine has moved,” Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle. “Back in the day, ACL, you were done. All over.

“He has had problems with, I’m not sure, one knee or both. It’s a difficult one because he is desperate to get back and you have to pull the reins on him. You play him too much and he will get other injuries.

“There is absolutely no doubt that the lad is a good player. He is big, strong, aggressive, can pass, can head and, if he stays clear of injury, he’d be like a new signing. It’d be a huge plus to the team.”

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