David Seaman claims Kieran Trippier needing an operation on his broken metatarsal is a 'problem' for Newcastle United.
The Magpies right-back has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks after hobbling off the field of play in Newcastle's win over Aston Villa.
Seaman believes Eddie Howe's side will come away from their clash with West Ham this weekend sharing the spoils, but admits Trippier's absence will be felt.
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Speaking to Seaman Says, he said: "When you look at the impact Trippier has had, when he gets an injury like that, he's going to be out for at least three weeks with a bone fracture, then it's got to heal, then you've got a week after that, I know they've said six weeks, but I thought that was a bit long.
"It depends on if he needs to have an operation. That's the problem. If it's a fracture and they can leave it, then it heals quicker.
"If it's displaced and he's got to have an operation with steel pins put in it to get it back in line, that could be longer.
"Your rehab is so vital once you've had an injury like that. He'll have total confidence but the only question about it all is if it needs an operation then it's a totally different scenario, because it does take a lot longer.
"Hopefully that's not what he's got and it's just a little fracture of his metatarsal."
Newcastle current winning streak has seen them escape the relegation zone and move four points clear of the bottom three, but will face a West Ham side with Champions League football on the agenda.
Seaman added: "It's tricky because they're both playing well now and Newcastle are on a real run, which I'm glad about because I don't want them to go down.
"I'm looking forward to watching but I'm going to chuck my Desmond in here and go 2-2."
