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Newcastle defender Botman ruled out for up to nine months / Photo: © AFP
Newcastle defender Botman ruled out for up to nine months
Newcastle and the Netherlands were dealt a huge blow on Wednesday as it was revealed defender Sven Botman could be sidelined for the rest of the year by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 24-year-old suffered the injury in Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Manchester City that ended Newcastle's hopes of silverware this season.
Botman will also now miss the Netherlands' campaign at Euro 2024.
"Sven Botman will undergo surgery next week after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City," Newcastle said in a statement.
"A scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL and he is expected to return within six to nine months.
"We wish you a full and speedy recovery, Sven."
Injuries to key players have been a major factor in a disappointing season for Newcastle.
Backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, they finished fourth in the Premier League last season to reach the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
But the Magpies crashed out of Europe in the group stage, sit 10th in the Premier League and have failed to end their wait for a first major trophy since 1969 in the domestic cups.
F. Burkhard--BTZ
