Sven Botman
NEWNetherlands
Left
Jan 12, 2000
26
6'4"
179 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
NewcastleSuffers facial fracture
Botman is out until the closing weeks of the season after surgery on a facial fracture, according to his club.
Analysis: Botman had to come off with a head injury Sunday and has now received a further operation on his face after a fracture was confirmed, leaving him out for a decent run. He will now focus on a return in the final few weeks of the season, likely not close to being an option until the end of April. It will likely still require him to wear a mask when taking the field, possibly hindering his play a bit. This is a loss of a regular defender, so it will force a change, with Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn likely to continue as starters, as Fabian Schar (ankle) serves as the first backup option.
Off with head injury
Botman was forced off in the 54th minute of Sunday's match against Sunderland due to an apparent head injury.
Analysis: Botman had to end his day early Sunday and will now be in danger of missing time due to a possible concussion, exiting with a head injury. Luckily for the club and defender, he will have time to recover, as the international break is about to take place, and they don't play again until April 12. That should be enough time to recover, regardless of whether he does have a concussion or not, with Malick Thiaw taking his spot against Sunderland.
First career UCL goal
Botman scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Tuesday's 3-2 victory against Qarabag.
Analysis: Bortman returned to the starting XI after missing the last three matches, including the first leg, due to back issues and marked his comeback with his first Champions League goal. The center back continues to pose a threat from set pieces, attempting two shots on the night. He has now registered six shots across his last three starts, scoring twice in that span.
Starting for UCL action
Botman (back) is in the starting XI for Tuesday's match against Qarabag.
Analysis: Botman is back with his team Tuesday as they try to finish off their win over Qarabag, starting immediately after the back issues. This ends a three-match absence as he should now remain in a starting role, recording seven clean sheets in 21 appearances this season.
Late call for Tuesday
Botman (back) is a late call for Tuesday's match against Qarabag, according to manager Eddie Howe. "We hope they'll be involved. We'll see how they are when they wake up tomorrow, but fingers crossed, they will be."
Analysis: Botman is looking to make a comeback Tuesday after training to begin the week, with the defender now to be subjected to some testing ahead of the contest. This comes after three games out, having been without a starting defender through that period. The major question heading into the match is how many minutes he will be available for if deemed fit, likely not being risked with a five-goal lead on aggregate.
Took part in training
Botman (back) was seen in training and could be an option for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Qarabag, according to Chronicle Live.
Analysis: Botman could be an option for Tuesday's Champions League match against Qarabag after being seen in training Monday, having missed the last three matches across all competitions due to a back injury. The defender is a regular starter, and his potential return could help solidify the back line.
Out to face Manchester City
Botman (back) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Manchester City.
Analysis: Botman remains unavailable for Saturday's matchup against Manchester City due to lingering back issues. The defender has missed the last two matches across all competitions, and his absence remains notable given his importance to the back line when fully fit. Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn start in central defense.
Back in contention
Botman (back) is back in contention for Saturday's clash against Manchester City, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference. "Better news on Sven, he could be in and around this game."
Analysis: Botman missed the last two matches in all competitions with back issues but he is back in the mix for Saturday's showdown against Manchester City. That is a huge boost for the Magpies because he is a locked-in starter in the heart of the back line whenever he is healthy. Botman now has a real shot to step right back into the starting XI against the Citizens and anchor the defense again.
Set to miss Qarabag first leg
Botman (back) will likely be excluded from Wednesday's trip to face Qarabag in UCL action, with coach Eddie Howe commenting "No one else from the missing list, I think, has travelled from the last game so we're missing quite a few players, quite a few real quality players as well." prior to the game.
Analysis: Botman is dealing with an issue since the last FA Cup meeting with Aston Villa, and it remains to be seen when he'll return to the field. He's currently likely to sit out the upcoming Champions League clash, where Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn should start at center-back. Botman had previously scored once over seven full-game appearances in 2026.
Dealing with issue
Botman (undisclosed) was rested during Saturday's FA Cup win over Aston Villa due to a minor issue, coach Eddie Howe said to the media, according to Shields Gazette. "Sven's feeling is back from the game against Tottenham. We don't think it's a serious injury. We certainly hope he won't be out for any period of time. It was the right decision not to let him travel today."
Analysis: Botman picked up a minor issue in the clash against Tottenham and was held out of Saturday's FA Cup win over Aston Villa as a precaution and resting reasons. The center-back is trending toward a return for Wednesday's Champions League matchup against Qarabag, though he could still be a late fitness call. If Botman is forced to spend more time on the sidelines, Dan Burn is in line to take on an expanded role in the Magpies' backline.
First league goal
Botman scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-2 defeat versus Brentford.
Analysis: Botman rose above the jostling pack to head home Newcastle's opening goal Saturday in their 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Brentford. The goal marked the central defender's first of the season and his first league goal since the 2023/24 campaign. In addition to his headed effort, Botman led the team defensively with nine clearances.
Struggles in return
Botman (thigh) played 90 minutes in Wednesday's EFL Cup loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: Botman made his comeback from a small injury, confirming he's available for upcoming fixtures. He was included in a back three alongside Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn, although they had a weak outing against the Citizens. Botman made five consecutive starts before suffering the injury, averaging 7.4 clearances, 1.0 interceptions and 1.0 tackles per contest over that span.
Available in Carabao Cup
Botman (thigh) is an option for the Carabao Cup second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference. "Sven is OK."
Analysis: Botman didn't feature in the last match against Liverpool due to a thigh injury that has since been confirmed as minor, leaving the defender fit and available as an option for Wednesday's Carabao Cup second leg against Manchester City. He had started each of his previous five appearances for the Magpies and is expected to regain his spot for that clash.
Unused with thigh injury
Botman was unused for Saturday's 4-1 loss to Liverpool due to a thigh injury, according to manager Eddie Howe, per Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Botman was on the team sheet Saturday but did not play, instead unused due to some injuries. Luckily for the club, he is expected to return next match, with a midweek game against Manchester City on Wednesday. He has been a regular starter but is more likely for a bench spot in his return, with Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw both available as central defenders.
Extends with Magpies
Botman has extended his contract with Newcastle, according to his club.
Analysis: Botman is not leaving Newcastle anytime soon, as the defender has inked a new contract until summer 2030. He joined in 2022 and has seen time between the starting XI and bench, mainly losing time due to injuries an issue throughout the defenders career. He is currently seeing starting time but may be relegated back to a rotational spot once the defense is fit, with Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn (ribs) preferred this season.
Assist in win
Botman assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-3 victory over Leeds United.
Analysis: Botman made an impact in what marked this first appearance since November 22, 2025. He entered the match to begin the second half and came up with a critical play by setting up Harvey Barnes for the winning goal late in second half extra time. The assist marked the first of the campaign for Botman, while he moved up to a total of five chances created over his 11 appearances.
Unused substitute Sunday
Botman (back) remained an unused substitute in Sunday's 2-0 win against Crystal Palace, confirming he is back available for Newcastle.
Analysis: Botman cleared his back issues after missing all the games since late November and is now fit moving forward since he was an option from the bench in Sunday's win against the eagles. The center-back will likely resumed a rotational role until getting back to full competitive fitness and to avoid any new setbacks for a player labelled as injury prone in recent seasons.
Trains with group
Botman (back) is back in team training and on the verge of a return, according to manager Eddie Howe. "He's very close. Sven's been training with the group which has been great, so I envisage him being in and around this game."
Analysis: Botman is very close to seeing the field again after a time out with a back injury, as he is back in team training. This should leave him with a return in the next week or two, marking the end of an absence that has lasted since the end of November. He is a starter when fit and the club is low on defenders, so this is huge news, likely to send Fabian Schar back to the bench once fit.
Nearing return, not yet training
Botman (back) is nearing a return but hasn't resumed team training yet, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference, according to Craig Hope from the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Botman still has to resume team training after dealing with a back injury that required injections, but he is not far from making his return to the match squad. The center-back won't be available for Friday's clash against Manchester United, but a return against Burnley on Dec. 30 seems to be a possibility for the Dutch defender.
Not ready to play
Botman (back) is making good progress but is not ready to play yet, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference. "With Sven [Botman], we're not entirely sure when he'll return. He's made good progress but he's not ready to play yet."
Analysis: Botman has made good progress following his injection to treat a back injury but isn't fit yet to play. The center-back doesn't have a specific timeline to return but is still expected to play before the end of the year. That said, Fabian Schar is expected to see a starting role for the Magpies with Botman not there yet and Dan Burn (ribs) sidelined until late January.
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