As it stands, the Dutchman is inching towards a Newcastle United return, having not played since the 3-2 defeat to Chelsea in March. Botman underwent ACL surgery to resolve an issue that had niggled him throughout the 2023-24 campaign.

Eddie Howe revealed last month that the centre-back is making progress and should return around Christmas. He told reporters: “He’s hitting the right strength markers, he’s looking really good.