Ciaran Clark’s worst fears have been confirmed after his season was curtailed early.
An ankle injury sustained in the 4-0 defeat at Arsenal two weeks ago after a collision with Bukayo Saka means Clark is unlikely to figure again for Newcastle United this term.
Clark’s absence is a major blow for Newcastle with Federico Fernandez, Florian Lejeune and Fabian Schar set to battle for the right to play alongside Jamaal Lascelles.
The ankle ligament damage also rules Clark out for the Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia next month.
Steve Bruce has been handed one other defensive boost with Javier Manquillo now back in training.
Clark, 30, had helped United to several important victories this season and scored vital goals in the wins at West Ham and AFC Bournemouth.
Bruce already has Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett out for the rest of the season.
