Fresh doubt looks to have been cast over Jack Colback's future at Newcastle United.
It looked like the 29-year-old midfielder might get another chance at St James' Park under new manager Steve Bruce, having been completely frozen out by former boss Rafa Benitez.
Colback spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, and the Reds were targeting a permanent deal for him this summer.
Bruce has been non-committal about Colback staying at the Premier League club, ahead of naming his 25-man squad for the new season.
"He nicked a groin. He has a strain," said Bruce, explaining why Colback has missed the Magpies' last two pre-season friendlies.
“By the end of this week I have to name a 25-man squad with three goalkeepers.
“The awful side of my job is that you have to disappoint a few players.
“All of them have really had a go for me but I can only pick 22 (outfield players).”
