Sven Botman could make a surprise return to the Newcastle United squad against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Eddie Howe has confirmed that the Dutchman could get minutes against Villa as he looks to play his first competitive minutes since March last year. Botman has not been seen in action since the FA Cup quarter-finals when Newcastle bowed out of the competition to Manchester City.

Botman played one hour of the 3-2 win over Chelsea in the second string earlier this month and was part of a practice game behind the scenes at the weekend.

READ MORE: Martin Dubravka 'signs' for new club as Eddie Howe responds to Newcastle United claim

READ MORE: Newcastle United's PIF 'pot of cash' question emerges as Eddie Howe forecasts 2025 transfers

When asked if he could feature against Villa, Howe said today: "Yeah, he’s getting closer. I’m pleased with how he’s been in the last couple of weeks, he’s had various tests whether that’s in training or in the games that you mention.

"He came through another practice match on Saturday where he did well, he’s looking good. It’s just a case of deciding when we’ll reintroduce him to the squad."

Howe said that Botman must now earn his place back in his starting XI with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar in terrific form at the moment. The head coach said: "Without a doubt, we need a player of Sven's quality in the squad, so we will welcome him back with open arms, but the challenge for Sven is to earn his place back, which is certainly not a given, and that would be the same for anybody.

"When you've had such a long-term injury there will be a period where Sven will have to work back to his best level but that's the same for everybody. It's great to have competition for places, that's what we've missed."