Botman reveals: Defender played through with cruciate ligament injury

Following the remarkable victory, Sven Botman encountered significant swelling in his knee, prompting a comprehensive medical examination. 

Reflecting on this challenging situation, the Dutch defender shared with Sky Sports, "The scan revealed substantial damage in the knee. Some specialists indicated that the cruciate ligament was fully torn, while others held a different view. Consequently, I decided to take a period of rest, opting to avoid surgery."

The decision to forgo surgery was pivotal for Botman, as undergoing such a procedure would have resulted in his absence for the entire remainder of the season. Elaborating on this, the resilient defender noted, "The surgery would have kept me sidelined for nine months. However, I'm now back in action and feeling as good as ever." Botman made a triumphant return on December 16 against Fulham, subsequently participating in matches against Chelsea (League Cup), Luton Town, and Nottingham Forest.

As Newcastle prepares for a Monday night clash against Liverpool, Botman stands poised to once again feature in the lineup for this crucial encounter. Expressing contentment with his decision, he remarked, "It seems like I made the right choice."

Shifting focus to another player facing a comparable situation, Kjell Scherpen, the goalkeeper exhibited remarkable resilience by continuing to play despite a torn cruciate ligament. He featured in an additional 27 matches for Sturm Graz after sustaining the debilitating knee injury. 

However, Scherpen has now undergone surgery, rendering him unavailable for the remainder of the season. On loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, Scherpen's recovery from surgery means he won't be participating in any further matches this season.