Sven Botman has revealed he is "very close" to a Newcastle United return after making his comeback from an ACL injury.
Botman has not featured since March, after it was decided he would go under the knife after multiple knee problems. Back then the former Ajax youngster limped off in the FA Cup quarter-finals at Man City with Newcastle's season over in terms of silverware.
Head coach Eddie Howe has been cautious about his return date and hinted it could be the new year, but Botman is eager to impress again.
Botman told the club's website: "I'm doing very well, and I'm getting close now. Friday 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 club's official channels have referred to Botman's latest stages of his comeback as eyeing "the finish line". The centre-back added: "It's what I've been thinking about the last seven months and it would mean a lot," he added. "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."
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