Sven Botman eyeing early return date as uplifting Newcastle United images emerge

Newcastle United centre-back Sven Botman has taken another significant step back towards the first team picture with the Magpies.

Botman has not featured since March, after it was decided he would go under the knife following 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.

But Botman has now trained with the first-team and took to social media to post: "Great to be out there with the team again. Go time soon!" Initially, Eddie Howe had opted for caution when talking about Botman's return from an ACL injury and hinted at January as a possible comeback date.

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However, Botman's return to train with team-mates and be pictured on the ball will be an uplifting image for all concerned at United. Botman had said last month: "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."

Eddie Howe holds back two Newcastle stars ahead of Crystal Palace game

Howe was eager for both Matt Targett and Lewis Miley to get minutes in their legs on Friday night rather than travel to London with the first-team squad. The evening clash against Crystal Palace's second string saw Targett play 60 minutes and even weigh in with an assist for Ben Parkinson to score the games only goal at Whitley Park.

Miley played 79 minutes against Palace and enjoyed his first start since March. Back then a back injury saw his season curtailed before the youngster suffered a foot injury while out running in the off season.

Howe was concerned about match fitness for the duo ahead of the long hard winter with a packed December on the horizon. On Miley Howe said: "The plan is that I feel Lewy needs to play. He was injured for a period of time and games will do him world of good rather than travelling with us."

Magpies set for Carabao Cup cracker against the Bees next month

The Magpies can look forward to their last eight challenge against Brentford on December 18 knowing that the tie is a complete sell out. Season ticket holders and members have hastily snapped up their seats for the encounter with Thomas Frank's side although there are still hospitality opportunities available.

This will be the third time in a row Newcastle have made it to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Howe's team lost on penalties at this stage last season but triumphed against Leicester City at home two years ago.

A huge night is anticipated against Brentford with Wembley hopefully calling again for Newcastle after reaching the final in 2023, only to be beaten by Manchester United.