Newcastle United’s defender Sven Botman is anticipated to undergo surgery on a knee injury after a scan indicated a recovery period of “six to nine months.”
The Dutch player sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Saturday’s FA Cup loss against Manchester City, requiring a late substitution.
The 24-year-old defender will undergo surgery next week.
“Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery,” the club said.
Botman first suffered a knee injury in September, sidelining him for 17 games, including the last five of Newcastle’s Champions League group stage matches. He made his comeback in December.
Newcastle opted against surgery at that time, instead focusing on a rehabilitation program to restore Botman’s fitness.
Since his return, Botman has been a regular starter for Newcastle, but he was substituted in the 83rd minute of their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the weekend’s quarter-final match.
Newcastle added: “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.”
This adds to a string of significant injury setbacks for Magpies manager Eddie Howe this season.
England goalkeeper Nick Pope has been sidelined since December due to a shoulder injury, and both Brazil midfielder Joelinton and England striker Callum Wilson have been absent for prolonged periods.
Botman, who has received call-ups for the Netherlands national team but has yet to make his international debut, will now miss out on the opportunity to compete in the Euro 2024 finals.