Callum Wilson has vowed to 'come back fitter and stronger' after being ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.
Wilson has been a revelation since joining Newcastle in a summer £20million move from Bournemouth, scoring 10 goals which accounts for 40 per cent of the Magpies' goals this term.
But after being forced off against Southampton with a hamstring injury on Saturday, United boss Steve Bruce has confirmed the England international will be missing for six to eight weeks.
Bruce said: "Unfortunately with Callum it's a tear to his hamstring and it could be six to eight weeks.
"To lose your striker is a bitter pill to swallow.
"We hoped it was two to three weeks but unfortunately it's worse than that, we will be without him for six to eight weeks.
"It is a bad tear. It takes time and when you are pace and power like he is, Callum, the rehab has to be spot on.
"Let's hope we can cope with it. Let's hope others can step up to mark and can grasp it."
And Wilson has taken to social media to vow to Newcastle fans that he will be back with a vengeance once his hamstring recovers.
He tweeted: "Disappointed that I’m gonna have to miss the next few months due to this hamstring. Just another bump along the road that I will come back fitter and stronger from!"
Bruce must decide whether to turn to Ryan Fraser, Joelinton, Andy Carroll or Dwight Gayle for Monday's trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
