Newcastle full-back Massadio Haidara will not play again this season after undergoing surgery on his troublesome knee.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, who has missed the last three games, had a procedure to remove a cyst from his knee last Thursday and head coach John Carver revealed his campaign is now over as a result.
Carver said: "Sadio Haidara had a cyst taken off his knee last Thursday in France and he won't be available for the rest of the season."
Haidara's prolonged absence comes as a blow to Carver, who is already without defenders Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett through injury and skipper Fabricio Coloccini through suspension, but there is at least some better news further up the field with Mehdi Abeid and Rolando Aarons close to returning from thigh and hamstring problems respectively.
Indeed, holding midfielder Abeid could even be involved in Sunday's derby trip to Sunderland, although winger Aarons will not be risked.
Carver said: "We have had a good week with Mehdi Abeid and Rolando Aarons, but we are going to be careful. Rolando won't be in the squad this weekend, but Mehdi Abeid will be."
Source: PA
