Steve Bruce has revealed that Matt Ritchie is still waiting for the green light from a specialist to make his return from an ankle injury.
The former AFC Bournemouth star has been out since August after a horror challenge from Hamza Choudhury left him needing an operation.
Ritchie has been a big miss to United and after positive signs that he could make a comeback earlier than expected he has suffered a series of setbacks and his return date is now unknown.
Speaking after the 2-0 loss at Aston Villa on Monday night, Bruce said: "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."
Bruce will at least be boosted by the return of Sean Longstaff against Manchester City.
The midfielder has been banned for the last three games after a red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers but is free from suspension.
Longstaff had one of his best games for Newcastle against City last year when his performance in the 2-1 win even won praise from Pep Guardiola.
