Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor could miss all of next season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, the club have announced.
The 28-year-old had only recently returned to training after he injured his knee last August in the Europa League qualification match against Atromitos.
The new injury blow looks set to rule Taylor out for the majority of next season and possibly the entire campaign.
Taylor had been on the sidelines for eight months after he ruptured his knee ligaments in the European fixture and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admitted his fresh injury is a huge disappointment for both the club and the player.
He said: "Ryan has worked so hard and diligently since his injury.
"He has been a model patient and has given his all to ensure he could return to full training in the best condition possible. Clearly everyone at the club is deeply saddened by this news.
"Ryan has, and will continue to, receive the full support of everyone at Newcastle United during this difficult time for him."
Newcastle also confirmed that goalkeeper Tim Krul will undergo surgery on Monday after he dislocated his shoulder during the 3-0 Tyne-Wear defeat by Sunderland at St James' Park.
Krul, who landed awkwardly and had to be replaced early in the second half by Rob Elliot, is expected to return to training at the end of July.
Source: PA
