Jamaal Lascelles will be out of action until 2020 after Newcastle United confirmed the extent of his injury.
The club captain left the pitch midway through the first half victory over AFC Bournemouth last weekend, and was seen leaving St James' Park on crutches.
United confirmed that the 26-year-old suffered a knee injury.
It was reported that Lascelles would be out of action for up to three months having had a scan on Monday - and while the club have not given a return date, it has confirmed that Lascelles will be out until the 'New Year.'
Lascelles was replaced by Paul Dummett - who was praised for his performance.
The injury occurred after Lascelles was pushed by Callum Wilson into goalkeeper Martin Dubravka as the two jostled for the ball.
While a huge blow, head coach Steve Bruce will know that his options at centre-back are plentiful with Ciaran Clark, and Federico Fernandez impressing alongside Dummett, while Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune are expected to be back in contention after the international break.
The club wished Lascelles a 'speed recovery.'
