Sven Botman so happy – Now back training with the first team squad ahead of playing return | OneFootball

Sven Botman is a happy man.

The Newcastle United defender now back training with the first-team squad ahead of his eventual playing return

Sven Botman suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and had surgery earlier this year.

It has been a long road to recovery for the Dutch defender, who was a key part of the United defence that along with Man City conceded the lowest number of Premier League goals in the 2022/23 season.

Now though some light finally at the end of the tunnel.

Sven Botman speaking to the official club site – 20 November 2024:

“It’s easy to say I could’ve had (surgery) earlier but if you’re in the moment, you know your body well.

“When I first had the injury, I actually played a few games afterwards and felt fine in those.

“At the other end, you have to make a choice of feeling fine or having rehab for eight months or so. It was quite hard to make that decision in that moment.

“I had some problems before but, for me personally, it wasn’t enough to have surgery. I was struggling with my knee and after the Man City game, I knew it was over for me. I think, for one reason, it might have been good that it happened so I’m now over that and it’s done.

“It’s definitely the longest time I’ve been out.

“I don’t think there’s any other injuries where you’re out for as long as that. It’s been a physical challenge but also a mental one. The first few weeks were fine after I went back home (to Amsterdam) for rehab and training. I then went to a training centre in Portugal for a few weeks and you then close yourself down from being around the team.

“From the moment I returned to Newcastle, it became really hard in terms of seeing the guys going outside for training and always having to work on your own, running by yourself on a different pitch to your teammates. You always have one eye on them, which was difficult.

“After a few weeks of rehab, you’d feel really positive about everything and then be really negative for a few weeks, struggling mentally. It was quite a tough ride but, at the end, it does make you stronger.

“I’m doing very well and I’m getting close now.

“Friday (before the Forest match) was my first day back training with the team and the first steps back to normal life which was a good feeling. It was quite relaxed, with the session being two days before a game but if you’re out for so long, it’s already a big thing just to be around the squad.

“I feel like everything is new but it was really nice to be around the squad, with everybody being very supportive. After the first training session, my first thought afterwards was wanting to do more but it was a good first step.

“When I was back on the training pitch, it was nice because the players were so happy that I was back with them. You can feel left out when you’re injured for so long so it’s good that people still care about you.

“The support from everyone around me has been key because, in rehab, you’re by yourself.

“Other people can drag you through certain situations but, at the end, it’s how you deal with it personally.

“I just had to motivate myself. You can say that other people can help you but, at the end of the day, it’s down to you. Doing what I love to do most is playing football and you can only do that when you’re fully fit. It’s easy to say you need to work hard but that is what it comes down to.

“At the moment, I feel I’m stronger mentally because I hadn’t experienced that dark side of football until now. You can only be more grateful and positive after such a period like this.

“It’s what I’ve been thinking about the last seven months and it would mean a lot.

“Playing football is something I love to do and when you’re injured for such a long time, you feel like you’re standing still when other people are moving forward.

“I cannot wait for that moment when I’m back on the pitch and playing in our stadium with the team. I remember when I came back from rehab for my knee in November, which was around three months, so it should be even more amazing than that this time around.

“Whether it was playing in the Champions League, scoring my first goal or reaching a cup final, I just can’t wait to help the team again and have that feeling again.

“Those moments are what you play football for. You’re happy for the team but, when you’re on the sideline, it’s never going to feel the same unless you are part of the squad.

“There’s so much to play for. You win the trophies in the last part of the season, the most important part, so I’ll be getting back to training with the group first and then I’m looking forward to my first game before building on from there to get the form back. I’m feeling really good so I’ve got no doubts about anything.”