NEWCASTLE star Sven Botman has undergone facial surgery after a sickening collision with Brian Brobbey.
The Dutch defender, 26, was forced off early in the second half of Sunday’s 2-1 derby defeat at home to Sunderland.
Botman suffered the blow after being accidentally caught by the boot of compatriot Brobbey, who scored the Black Cats’ last-ditch winner.
Following concussion protocol, the Toon star was substituted and replaced by Malick Thiaw.
A club statement said: “Newcastle United defender Sven Botman has undergone successful surgery on a facial fracture.
“Sven is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period and hopes to be available again during the closing weeks of the season.”
Eddie Howe will be hoping to have the ace, who recently penned a new contract until 2030, back fit for their next game away to Crystal Palace on April 12.
Howe is already short in central defence, and Botman’s horror injury won’t help his cause.
Defenders Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth both missed the Sunderland game, with the former hoping to return after the international break and the latter likely out for the season.
Botman has been a regular visitor to the Magpies’ treatment room since they paid £35million to sign him from Lille in 2022.
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He spent nearly three months out with a knee injury in 2023-24 and was sidelined for nine months with an ACL tear shortly after returning.
Knee, hamstring and back problems have also limited Botman’s availability since the start of last season.
Howe needs all hands on deck going into the final seven games of the Premier League campaign.
His side sit 12th but a congested mid-table pack means that, with a strong finish, European football is still within reach.
