Newcastle United have confirmed Isaac Hayden has been ruled out with injury for the rest of the season.
Hayden was stretchered off during Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Brighton with a knee injury, after a Jonjo Shelvey challenge on Seagulls midfielder Yves Bissouma saw the latter inadvertently clatter into Hayden's planted leg.
Newcastle have confirmed he will miss the rest of the season with a 'significant' knee injury but the 26-year-old will not require surgery.
It is another huge injury blow for Newcastle with Fabian Schar also set to miss the rest of the campaign.
Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin have also been missing for an extended period with hamstring and groin injuries respectively but Newcastle hope the pair will be able to return for April's visit of Tottenham Hotspur following the international break.
The Magpies are embroiled in a relegation battle with just two points separating them from Fulham in 18th place.
With nine matches remaining, the Magpies are now favourites for the drop with pressure growing on manager Steve Bruce.
Hayden has largely been a mainstay in the starting XI this term and his tenacity in midfield will be a huge miss heading into a vital period of the season.
