Newcastle's Botman out for up to nine months with ACL injury

Newcastle United defender Sven Botman will be out of action for six to nine months after sustaining a serious knee injury.

The 24-year-old Dutchman, who moved to St James' Park from Ligue 1 club Lille in 2022, picked up the injury during his side's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Manchester City last weekend.

He will undergo Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery next week.

"A scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL," Newcastle said in a statement.

"The Dutch centre back 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."

Newcastle, already without Nick Pope, Joelinton, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes and Kieran Trippier due to injuries, are 10th in England's top-flight table with 10 matches left and host seventh-placed West Ham United on 30 March.