Source: SKY_Sports
Hughton bemoans Butt absence
Caretaker Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton has bemoaned the loss of midfielder Nicky Butt for the start of the new season.
The 34-year-old will be sidelined for at least four weeks by surgery to repair the hand he damaged during Saturday's 7-2 friendly victory at Darlington.
That could see the former Manchester United enforcer miss several Championship games as the Magpies launch their bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Hughton told the club's official website: "It's a blow - a big blow.
"Not only is he a fabulous player, he doesn't miss many games and he's an excellent personality to have around the dressing room.
"Of course, he will still be around, but he's the kind of player that you want out there on the pitch. We haven't really had any injuries in pre-season and it was fairly innocuous, so it is disappointing."
