Newcastle United: Sven Botman out for up to nine months with ACL injury

Newcastle's Sven Botman challenges Manchester City's Erling Haaland during the FA Cup tie — Sven Botman has played 16 times for Newcastle since returning from a previous knee injury in December

Newcastle United defender Sven Botman is expected to be out for "six to nine months" after a scan revealed he needs surgery on a knee injury.

The Dutchman injured his anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Manchester City and had to be substituted late on.

The 24-year-old centre-back will have surgery next week.

"Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery," the club said.

Botman initially sustained a knee injury in September and missed 17 games - including the final five of the Magpies' Champions League group games - before returning in December.

Newcastle said it was decided not to send Botman for surgery at that stage and he regained full fitness through a rehabilitation programme.

Botman has started the majority of Newcastle's matches since his return, but had to be brought off in the 83rd minute of the 2-0 loss to Manchester City in their quarter-final tie at the weekend.

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."

It is the latest in a series of long-term injury blows for Magpies manager Eddie Howe this season.

England goalkeeper Nick Pope has been out since December with a shoulder injury, while Brazil midfielder Joelinton and Three Lions striker Callum Wilson have also been missing for extended periods.

Botman, who has previously been called up by the Netherlands but not yet made his international debut, will miss out on the chance of playing in the Euro 2024 finals.