Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes is facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to a foot injury suffered during the match against Sheffield United.
The 25-year-old was forced to leave the game after just 12 minutes during Newcastle’s 8-0 victory at Bramall Lane.
Manager Eddie Howe is concerned that Barnes, whose transfer cost £38 million, may be unavailable for a significant period.
Barnes has already undergone a scan, and the next step is consulting a specialist to determine whether surgery is necessary for the injury.
Ahead of facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, Howe said: “Yes, we’re fearing it’s going to be [a long-term injury].
“It’s difficult. I don’t want to put a time on it until we get confirmation from the specialist, but I think it will be months rather than weeks.”
Newcastle will welcome Burnley in the Premier League this Sunday, followed by a crucial Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain at St James’ Park next Wednesday.
Unfortunately, Barnes is expected to be absent for the upcoming fixtures.
Revealing more on the forward’s issue, Howe added: “It’s an injury to a part of the foot just below the toe. I think it’s quite a substantial injury.
“We’ve had it scanned; we’re waiting now for a specialist’s opinion on what to do next, whether there’s surgery involved or not.
“I don’t think it was a tackle; I think it was just pushing off to run, a very unusual injury.
“I won’t go too technical because I’m not medically qualified to do so, but yes, very unusual.”
Since joining Newcastle over the summer, Barnes has featured in seven matches. He started in two of them and had an impressive debut against Aston Villa, where he notched a goal and an assist.