Botman in contention for Magpies return, says Howe | OneFootball

The Magpies head to North London looking to extend their terrific recent run which has lifted them to fifth in the Premier League table, just three points off a place in the top four.

Dutch centre back Botman has been working his way back to full fitness following a serious knee injury, and played 60 minutes for United's under-21s against Chelsea last month - his first outing since March 2024.

At head coach Howe's pre-match media briefing on Friday morning, he was asked about the likelihood of the 24-year-old returning to the squad for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as well as a host of other topics including Spurs, Jacob Murphy's form and his own Manager of the Month nomination. Here are some of the main talking points:

On whether Botman could return to the Magpies' squad...

"I always said Sven will be in and around the Christmas games. He has worked incredibly hard to get himself into a good condition. He has had three games, he is in and around my thoughts.

"I will have to make a decision on who best fits that position, but it is great to have Sven back around. If Sven is in the squad, it is because he is fit and ready."

On being shortlisted for the Barclays Manager of the Month for December...

"It's always good to be in the mix. It means you have a had a good month, and it was a good December for us. Let's try and make it a good January too."

On Ange Postecoglou's Spurs...

"It's a difficult game, it is always a tough match - they are a very good creative team. They have a very good way of playing which is tough to play against.

"Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal - this is a challenging period (for us), but the way we have started that, we are delighted.

"It will be an exciting game - historically, we have had some good games against them. The challenge is to nullify what they do and then impose ourselves on them, and try and continue our good form."

On United's recent winning run...

"We have produced some very good performances - everything has really clicked.

"We have looked a good attacking side, but I think the most pleasing thing with the recent run is how well we have protected our goal. Defensively, we have been brilliant. We have had a lot of control in that respect."

On the challenge of continually improving...

"There's always room to improve, you have to believe that, and I do genuinely believe that. We are playing a lot better, playing with confidence and freedom and expressing ourselves in the right way.

"These next few games will challenge us, but we will need to rise to those challenges and respond in the right way."

On Jacob Murphy's form, which led to his EA Sports Player of the Month nomination...

"Jacob has done really well. Goals and assists is what every attacking player needs in their games.

"He has had a strong group of games. His crossing ability is second to none. We are pleased for him."