Callum Wilson has suffered yet another injury setback, with the Newcastle striker set to be out for two months due to a hamstring problem.
Due to both back and hamstring injuries, the England international only made his first Premier League appearance of the season on 25 November.
The 32-year-old has managed four substitute appearances in the top flight this campaign, but that will be it for a while as he is sidelined again.
The Daily Mail report that Wilson’s latest injury is not on the same leg as his previous hamstring issue and he felt the problem when he came on against Brentford on Saturday.
Scans have since shown that it is a serious strain and he will be out until the middle of February at the earliest.
It is a headache for Magpies boss Eddie Howe as it is an extremely busy period ahead, including five more matches before the end of December.
Newcastle host Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday before a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford next week and then top flight clashes with Ipswich, Aston Villa and Manchester United before the end of the year.
Wilson may not have started a game or scored a goal since May, but he would have been used throughout that busy spell, easing the load for Alexander Isak up front for Howe’s side.
The former Bournemouth striker is out of contract at the end of the season and his latest injury issue suggests a departure on a free transfer is likely in the summer.
The forward started just nine league games last season and turns 33 in February, making a new deal for the injury-prone star unlikely.
Newcastle also remain without long-term absentees Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and Sven Botman, while they hope to have Joe Willock available at the weekend.
With just two points from their last four games, Howe will be desperate to get back to winning ways against the Foxes on Saturday.
MORE: Arsenal vs Everton: Latest team news, predicted lineup and injuries
MORE: Roy Keane speaks out on clash with Ipswich Town fan after Manchester United draw
MORE: One Manchester United star has already made a complaint about Ruben Amorim
