Eddie Howe has refused to rule out the prospect of Sven Botman starting for Newcastle United in Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The centre-back sustained a knee injury after scoring his first goal for the Magpies in an 8-0 victory over Sheffield United in mid-September, and he subsequently missed the club's next 16 matches across all competitions.
Last month, there were fears that Botman had suffered a setback in his recovery and may require surgery which would force him to spend another extended period on the sidelines.
However, the Dutchman made his long-awaited return to the matchday squad on Saturday and came on as a late substitute in Newcastle's 3-0 home win over Fulham in the Premier League.
Botman is training with his teammates and is in contention to feature in the EFL Cup against Chelsea on Tuesday, with Howe suggesting that he could be ready for a start pending a fitness test.
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Speaking about Botman at a press conference on Monday, Howe said: "He's rehabbed really well so we will have to make a decision on whether we want to start in this game.
"There are certain players that lift the team that little bit extra and Sven is one of those players. He's a big presence, he's a big guy and we missed his presence."
Newcastle have been hampered with injuries for some time and were dealt a double injury blow last weekend when Fabian Schar and Joelinton were both forced off in the first half against Fulham with muscle problems.
Howe has issued a reassuring update on the duo but was reluctant to provide a full assessment as the club are still awaiting scans, while the Newcastle boss has also revealed that Alexander Isak will continue to be assessed after he missed the win against Fulham due to a recurrence of a groin problem.
"Both Joelinton and Fabian Schar will have scans today so we will know more," said Howe. "They don't appear to be too bad but I am reluctant to say too much before we have the scan results."
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"Alex (Isak) has a problem with his groin – he had a scan last week, it is not a big problem. It is minor, probably more fatigue than anything.
"It is enough for us to need to monitor him and be careful with him – we don't want it to lead to anything longer."
In addition, Howe has revealed that Harvey Barnes's foot injury is being regularly monitored and the club is "hopeful" that the winger can return at some stage in the middle of January.
Asked about Barnes's recovery, Howe said: "That will be an ongoing process with Harvey – there is no update on that. He is hopeful of coming back within four to five weeks, and that's the latest plan."
Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy (both shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Matt Targett (hamstring) and Javi Manquillo (groin) all remain in the treatment room, but Newcastle are able to welcome back Kieran Trippier from suspension for Tuesday's clash against Chelsea, while Magpies loanee Lewis Hall is eligible to face his parent club.
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