Chelsea may be frustrated to hear that one of their summer transfer targets has just picked up a serious injury that threatens to rule him out for the rest of 2024.
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman, 24, has been linked as a potential option for the Blues.
Journalist Simon Phillips claimed via Substack this month that Chelsea scouts have been watching centre-back target Botman play as they consider him for the summer.
Unfortunately, the Dutchman has now suffered a significant setback.
Botman was forced off injured during Newcastle’s defeat to Manchester City last Saturday in the FA Cup.
It’s now been confirmed that the £35m centre-half (Sky Sports) has picked up an injury to his ACL, which is set to keep him out of action for between 6-9 months.
Newcastle confirmed yesterday via X: “Sven Botman will undergo surgery next week after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City.
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“A scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL and he is expected to return within 6-9 months.
“We wish you a full and speedy recovery, Sven.”
Described as “absolutely outstanding” by pundit Paul Merson last year (GiveMeSport), Botman has grown into a top central defender since moving to English football. He’s now been dealt a very poor hand through injury, though.
Chelsea need to look at other CBs
Well it looks like Botman is off the table for the immediate future, so Chelsea need to turn their attention elsewhere if they want to strengthen the heart of defence this summer.
Fortunately, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have still been linked with several other centre-back names.
For example, The Daily Mail recently claimed that Chelsea are among the top clubs currently monitoring Nottingham Forest’s 21-year-old defender Murillo.
In addition, Record reported this month that Chelsea have actually started talks about signing Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
