Newcastle United's injury crisis has deepened after Isaac Hayden went under the knife for a knee operation.
The Magpies' options in midfield have already been reduced over the festive period due to the absence of Joe Willock and Matt Ritchie.
However, Hayden has confirmed a fresh injury blow by posting a picture of himself lying on a bed with a knee brace on.
Eddie Howe is expected to clarify the injury news in full on New Year's Eve but Hayden himself posted on social media: "My new best friend for a while."
Newcastle are still shaking off a bout of Covid but will be without Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson for the early part of the year.
Ryan Fraser is also suffering with a hamstring injury but Paul Dummett is edging closer to fitness after a calf problem.
Speaking on injuries Howe said: "Callum's injury looks severe, weeks maybe months.
"I feared for him when he went down with nobody around him.
"A pull, not a knock.
"The lads gave everything but we are thin on the ground in terms of bodies.
"These are difficult moments for us. I believe it's 13 plus a goalkeeper.
"We're going to be dangerously close to that number."
