Newcastle United have been rocked by the news that Matt Ritchie has been sidelined for even longer after suffering a fresh setback.
As reported on Chronicle Live on Tuesday, Ritchie has received some disappointing news from a specialist as his rehab following a shocking challenge from Hamza Choudhury continues.
But United have now released further details of the injury, and a statement read today: "United can confirm that Matt Ritchie has undergone a second operation on the ankle injury he sustained during the Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City in August.
"Ritchie sustained the injury following a challenge by Foxes midfielder Hamza Choudhury and was forced to have an initial surgical procedure in October.
"The 30-year-old will continue his rehabilitation on Tyneside and is expected to return to action in January 2020."
Steve Bruce had said earlier in the week: "Unfortunately he is not near fitness at the moment.
"He seen a specialist last week and he said to give him another rest and see if that does it.
We will see what happens in the next couple of weeks but at the moment he is still not ready to return."
