Eddie Howe has confirmed that Matt Ritchie could be out until after the World Cup.
The 33-year-old was unavailable for the matches against Brentford and Fulham due to a calf injury.
Ritchie's one and only start for the Magpies this year was in the 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers in August.
However, ahead of the match against Manchester United on October 16, Howe has provided an update on the midfielder's current fitness.
The manager stated that Matt could face a seven-game spell on the sidelines and be back after the Mundial in Qatar.
“Matt picked up a calf problem.
“We don’t know whether he’ll be back before the World Cup but he’s doing well." added Howe.