Sven Botman to undergo surgery next week and could be out for nine months as Newcastle's bad luck continues

Newcastle United's injury-ravaged season continues with the news that Sven Botman will now miss six to nine months following surgery after picking up an injury against Manchester City.

The club today confirmed that Sven Botman will undergo surgery on his ACL after scans revealed the extent of the injury he picked up against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final at the weekend.

Botman has been plagued by knee issues all season and this just seemed like the inevitable conclusion after he was put back into the starting lineup. Now we're paying the price.

ACL injuries are a footballer's worst nightmare. Emil Krafth missed over a year of football after he picked up an ACL injury in 2022.

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Sven Botman could be out for up to nine months

24-year-old Botman hasn't looked right since he returned to action in December and actually put in some woeful performances since then, which given his 'Rolls Royce' moniker from last season has been so out of character.

The club put out a brief statement confirming the news at around 5pm on Wednesday.

"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.

"Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery."

This season ... just get in the bin

This means Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar will be the main defensive duo for the remainder of this season with only Dan Burn as a proper centre-back as a back-up, although full-backs Paul Dummett and Emil Krafth can play in the centre if called upon.

The need for at least one new defender in the summer is glaringly apparent as Newcastle have struggled immensely at the back this season.

Can we just wave the white flag on this season now, though? Seriously? It's just getting tedious now.