Steve Bruce is anticipating a three week layoff for speedy winger Allan Saint-Maximin with the former Nice man set to rest over the international break.
The Newcastle United head coach was disappointed for Saint-Maximin after he came off early at Spurs during the 1-0 win at the weekend.
But Bruce insists he was not risking the Frenchman, who also missed the game at Norwich, by bringing him back too early, he said: "We didn't look at it as a risk because he trained all week.
"It wasn't as if he trained on Friday then we said you must play on Sunday.
"He absolutely trained all week and was fit and available for every training session.
"It is disappointing."
Saint-Maximin has played just 40 minutes of the season so far, and now Bruce is awaiting further news on his hamstring injury.
He said: "It has been a frustrating start for him.
"Hopefully we get a positive scan for him and a good result.
"We look to get over it and then the international break comes for us at a good time.
"If it's not that serious, we are looking at three weeks and two of that is an international break.
"Let's hope for his sake and ours it is good news."
Bruce will allow Saint-Maximin some downtime over the next fortnight, speaking about the international break and the timing of it, Bruce said: "For him in particular it does come at a good time.
"We have bumps, bruises and knocks but for him in particular it will give him a break."
