Matt Ritchie's hamstring injury is not understood to be as bad as first feared after the player was forced off at Hibernian last night.
The former AFC Bournemouth winger will continue to be assessed by Newcastle United medics but he is not expected to suffer a long lay off.
That was Steve Bruce's first fear when he was subbed after just 11 minutes at Easter Road in the 3-1 friendly win.
Ritchie felt something and it was decided he should come off as a precaution.
Bruce had said last night: "We hope it's not serious.
"That's the awful thing tonight because we're a bit shy in that area.
"He'll have a scan in the next 48 hours and hopefully it's not too bad.
"He's nicked a hamstring."
Ritchie has barely missed a game since signing from Bournemouth and has clocked up 125 appearances for United.
