‘Absolutely gutted’ Newcastle United player reveals ‘long-term’ injury

Matty Longstaff has confirmed he will spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury whilst on loan at Colchester United.

The Newcastle United midfielder was stretchered off during the League Two side’s 1-0 away win at Gillingham on Boxing Day.

Longstaff hadn’t long come as a substitute after returning from a hamstring issue before undergoing lengthy treatment on the Priestfield Stadium pitch.

Colchester medics immediately suspected the 22-year-old had suffered a serious injury, and sadly for Longstaff, initial fears have been confirmed.

“Hard to find the words,” Longstaff said on Instagram. “Absolutely gutted to find out I’m gonna be out for a long period of time with a knee injury.

“Would just like to thank everyone at @colu_official for my time there.”

Longstaff, who is out-of-contract at the end of the campaign, has returned to Tyneside to undergo his rehabilitation. Magpies head coach Eddie Howe says the club will support him.

“It’s very difficult for him,” Howe told NewcastleWorld on Friday. “He’s a brilliant lad. We really, really like him as a person.

“It’s a very difficult time when your contract’s coming up. To get a potentially long-term injury is a difficult one for him but we will support him as a team and club and make sure we nurse him back to full fitness.”