Team news from Newcastle | Botman returns?

Sven Botman is in contention for a place in Newcastle's squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (12.30pm UK).

The Dutch central defender has been sidelined since March last year with a serious knee injury. However, he's returned to action for United's Under-21 side and, asked about his potential availability in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Toon boss Eddie Howe said Botman is 'in and around his thoughts'.

Howe said: "I always said Sven will be in and around the Christmas games. He's worked incredibly hard to get himself in a good condition. He's had three games, a lot of internal training as well. He's certainly in and around my thoughts. I'll have to make a decision on who I think best fits that position, but it is great to have Sven in and around and available again.

"We've taken longer than maybe we normally would have done through respect of the injury he had to try and make sure he has the best chance of staying fit and when he comes back, hitting the ground running, which is absolutely vital. I've got a decision to make in terms of team selection, but if Sven is in the squad it's because he's fit and available."

Botman's fellow defender Fabian Schar is suspended, while Howe remains without longer-term injured Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Callum Wilson and Nick Pope.