Kieran Trippier is out for at least six weeks with a broken bone in his foot.
In a huge blow to Newcastle ’s hopes of avoiding relegation, the England full back has snapped his fifth metatarsal in his left foot.
Trippier scored a free kick winner for United against Aston Villa on Sunday but limped off after the second half started in pain.
He had an X-ray at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and returned to St James’ Park and the club have confirmed he is out for a significant period.
However, while Newcastle will not put a time scale on the injury, Trippier could be back in early April if his recovery progresses perfectly.
At best he could miss six games and be in contention for the home clash with Wolves, on April 9, but that can only be determined if he heals quickly in the coming weeks.
Trippier posted his reaction to the injury saying: “It's really frustrating to have picked up the injury. We've built some momentum and long may that continue.
“I will remain positive and work as hard as I can on my rehab to be back fit as quickly as possible. Thank you all for your very kind messages of support.”
The 31-year-old has scoring in consecutive matches for his new club who have not lost in the league since he arrived in early January.
A statement from Newcastle read: “Everyone at the club wishes Kieran a speedy recovery.”
Defender Dan Burn today paid tribute to the impact of Trippier saying: "Tripps is a different level of quality that we probably haven't had here for a long time. He's won LaLiga, he's a regular England international and he shows it, and the lads feed off him."
To add to Newcastle’s problems Trippier’s deputy Javier Manquillo hobbled off after jarring his knee which boss Eddie Howe said could be ligament damage.
Trippier’s leadership and organisational skills have been key to Newcastle conceding just three goals in their last five games, having leaved 11 in three during December.
Newcastle are fourth bottom and clear of the relegation zone after winning three games in a row, their best run since November 2018.
Swedish international Emile Krafth will start at West Ham next weekend if Manquillo doesn’t recover.
A positive note for Howe was the form of debutant Burn who joined in January from Brighton for £13m.
Local lad Burn said: "We've set a standard now of the bare minimum that we expect from each other and if we can keep to those levels for the majority of the season, we'll pick up a lot more wins
"It was amazing. It's stuff you dream of when you're a kid when you come here and you're watching them run around on the pitch, [Alan] Shearer and Rob Lee and all those lot, and then you come and do it yourself.
"I don't think it's probably quite sunk in yet."
