Kieran Trippier has broken his foot and faces a significant spell on the sidelines in what is a huge blow to resurgent Newcastle - but there is hope he will be back before the end of the season.
Sportsmail understands that scans have revealed the damage Eddie Howe feared after the right back was forced off during the second half of Sunday’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
Trippier had earlier scored what proved to be the winning goal from a free-kick, his second of the week following his late strike in the 3-1 victory against Everton.