To say Sven Botman has been missed in the heart of our defence could be the understatement of 2024 for Newcastle United.
After an excellent debut campaign, an unfortunate ACL tear and subsequent surgery ruled the domineering Dutchman out for almost a year of his career. But now, the £35m man has confirmed he is nearing a return to action after resuming light training earlier this month and “cannot wait” to be playing again at St James’ Park after one of the toughest periods of his career.
Speaking to the club’s official website in an in-depth interview, he said: “It’s definitely the longest time I’ve been out. I don’t think there’s any other injuries where you’re out for as long as that.”
“It’s been a physical challenge but also a mental one. The first few weeks were fine after I went back home for rehab and training. I then went to a training centre in Portugal for a few weeks and you then close yourself down from being around the team.”
“From the moment I returned to Newcastle, it became really hard in terms of seeing the guys going outside for training and always having to work on your own, running by yourself on a different pitch to your teammates. You always have one eye on them, which was difficult.”
“After a few weeks of rehab, you’d feel really positive about everything and then be really negative for a few weeks, struggling mentally. It was quite a tough ride but, at the end, it does make you stronger.”
Botman has been eased back into training over the last fortnight, and with the club naturally wary of defensive coverage in the wake of fresh injuries (Krafth) and suspensions (Burn), the 24-year-old’s return couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I’m doing very well and I’m getting close now. Friday (the 8th of November) was my first day back training with the team and the first steps back to normal life which was a good feeling. It was quite relaxed, with the session being two days before a game but if you’re out for so long, it’s already a big thing just to be around the squad.”
“I feel like everything is new but it was really nice to be around the squad, with everybody being very supportive. After the first training session, my first thought afterwards was wanting to do more but it was a good first step.
“When I was back on the training pitch, it was nice because the players were so happy that I was back with them. You can feel left out when you’re injured for so long so it’s good that people still care about you.”
Similar to Sandro Tonali’s thoughts, where the Italian remarked about how much the support from fans and teammates meant to him during the injury spell, Botman expressed his thanks for the help and backing he has received over the course of 2024.
“The support from everyone around me has been key because, in rehab, you’re by yourself. Other people can drag you through certain situations but, at the end, it’s how you deal with it personally.”
“I just had to motivate myself. You can say that other people can help you but, at the end of the day, it’s down to you. Doing what I love to do most is playing football and you can only do that when you’re fully fit. It’s easy to say you need to work hard but that is what it comes down to.”
“At the moment, I feel I’m stronger mentally because I hadn’t experienced that dark side of football until now. You can only be more grateful and positive after such a period like this.”
Discussing his excitement to play again and his goals for the season, Botman looks to be aiming to continue on the success of the last two seasons and hopes to mak more memories on Tyneside upon his return.
“I cannot wait for that moment when I’m back on the pitch and playing in our stadium with the team. I remember when I came back from rehab for my knee in November, which was around three months, so it should be even more amazing than that this time around.
“Whether it was playing in the Champions League, scoring my first goal or reaching a cup final, I just can’t wait to help the team again and have that feeling again.
“Those moments are what you play football for. You’re happy for the team but, when you’re on the sideline, it’s never going to feel the same unless you are part of the squad.
“There’s so much to play for. You win the trophies in the last part of the season, the most important part, so I’ll be getting back to training with the group first and then I’m looking forward to my first game before building on from there to get the form back. I’m feeling really good so I’ve got no doubts about anything.”
Great to have you back, Sven!
