Newcastle have been rocked by the news that Harvey Barnes has suffered a setback in his recovery from a foot injury - and there are fears he may need surgery.
The winger, signed from Leicester for £38million in the summer, was injured when making only his second start for the club in late September.
Barnes was nearing a return last week but Eddie Howe has revealed it will be January at the earliest before he is seen again. If needing an operation, the 26-year-old’s season could yet be over.
In a double blow, Newcastle do not have a recall clause for Yankuba Minteh, the 18-year-old winger who is on loan at Feyenoord.