Newcastle United have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of tonight's encounter at Aston Villa.
Long serving defender Paul Dummett has been ruled out of the clash against Steve Bruce's old club at Villa Park in the Saturday night clash in the second city.
Dummett has only just returned from long-term injuries after suffering hamstring and tendon problems last season.
The former Wales international is now back in the treatment room after just three appearances.
Dummett, who was forced into self-isolation after a Covid scare over Christmas, limped off at Sheff United with what Bruce described as fatigue, just 48 hours after a gruelling 120-minute shift against Arsenal in the FA Cup defeat.
Bruce, speaking at his Press conference, said: "He's not right for the weekend.
"Unfortunately, Paul's had an awful time because of injuries and hamstrings, and this, that and the other."
Bruce stated that Fede Fernandez and Ciaran Clark were doubts for the game at Villa meaning Isaac Hayden could come back into contention at the back.
