Injury woes continue to mount for Newcastle United as Sven Botman prepares to go under the knife, which effectively rules him out for the remainder of the season.
The club have confirmed that the 24-year-old has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and will undergo surgery to repair the damage.
Botman picked up the injury in the 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to title holders Manchester City. He limped off the pitch and was replaced by Emil Krafth in the 83rd minute.
The ACL issue is expected to sideline Botman for up to nine months, adding to the injury woes that have plagued Eddie Howe’s struggling Magpies this season.
Botman cannot catch a break on the injury front as he returns to the treatment room despite just recovering from a knee problem that kept him out of action since September last year.
He spent nearly three months on the sidelines before returning to the fold in December. However, he has struggled for form and consistency, making the latest setback even more frustrating.
The Dutchman joins an exclusive list of Newcastle players facing a lengthy lay-off that also features Nick Pope, Joelinton and Callum Wilson, who are prominent members of Howe’s starting XI.
However, Botman’s injury could have deeper off-field repercussions for Newcastle, who are grappling with financial limitations.
The Magpies are one of several clubs that must raise funds from player sales before June 30 to avoid falling foul of the Premier League’s vicious Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Botman was previously identified as the most likely candidate to leave St James’ Park this summer, with the club convinced he would fetch a decent fee on the market.
However, his latest setback means Newcastle may have to cash in on another key player. Bruno Guimaraes has already been linked with a move away from Tyneside this summer.
Chelsea are among the clubs that have registered interest in the Brazilian midfield general, and Newcastle may be tempted to consider a sale if an irrefutable proposal arrives.
