Jonjo Shelvey looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his hamstring in a huge blow to Newcastle United.
Shelvey suffered the injury in Newcastle's pre-season defeat against Benfica last month, but it was not immediately clear how long the midfielder would be out for. Eddie Howe admitted a few days afterwards that it looked like there was 'some nerve damage'.
The 30-year-old was in London last week for another assessment and it is understood Shelvey has since gone under the knife. Howe will update reporters on Shelvey's prognosis at his pre-match press conference on Friday, but the playmaker could now face a battle to play again before the Premier League season temporarily stops for the World Cup.
