The Dutchman has been forced to sit out our last 13 games due to an ongoing knee issue, but he’s ‘closing in on a comeback’ in what will be a huge boost to Eddie Howe heading into the busy festive schedule.
It was feared that Botman could require surgery, potentially ruling him out until February. However, it seems he’s reacted well to light training last week and has suffered no bad reaction as of yet, allowing him to step things up over the coming days.
It remains to be seen if he’ll be ready in time for Thursday’s trip to Everton – I’d imagine that game will come too soon for him. Still, it’s a massive boost to have him close to a return ahead of a hectic December that features five league games, a Champions League decider with AC Milan and a cup quarter final at Chelsea.
Elsewhere, it’s hoped Callum Wilson, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff can all return over the coming weeks, although injuries to Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson and Jacob Murphy are likely to keep them out until the New Year.
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