Eddie Howe says he expects Alexander Isak will be experiencing emotions of guilt with the club-record signing set to remain sidelined until the New Year.
It is now three months since the Sweden striker last kicked a ball for his new club following a £60million move from Real Sociedad.
Isak injured his thigh on international duty with Sweden in September after making only three appearances for Howe’s side. He then suffered a recurrence of the same injury the following month.
The 23-year-old is now back running and kicking a ball at Newcastle’s training ground but will not feature at Leicester on Boxing Day or for the visit of Leeds on New Year’s Eve.