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The Magpies have been without their Dutch defender for the past seven months because of ACL injury, with sporting director Paul Mitchell stating last month that Botman isn’t due to return until December.

However, Botman’s recent social media activity has suggested he could be back earlier than planned. Last week, the 24-year-old uploaded photos from Newcastle’s training ground, first with a clock emoji before writing “finish line in sight”.

But there has been no change to Botman’s situation, according to Howe.

“No, I don't think so,” Howe said when asked if Botman was ahead of schedule. “I think he’s progressing as we’d expect. I don’t think we expect to see him any time this month, it’ll be small but positive steps.

“He’s in a good place, hopefully we’ll see him before the end of the year.”

Botman’s 2023-24 campaign was blighted by not just one but two serious injuries to his knee having initially sat out matches between September and December because of partial ACL tear.

The former Lille man first opted against surgery, allowing him to return to playing around Christmas time but from then to March, Botman looked a shadow of himself, which eventually resulted in an operation.

Botman last featured for the Magpies in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester Cityon March 16 before fellow defender Jamaal Lascelles suffered the same injury in the game after - the 4-3 comeback win against West Ham United.

Lascelles is understood to be slightly behind Botman, therefore on course to return in January 2025.