'Another scan' - Newcastle United star ruled out for 12 weeks could be sidelined for longer

Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson could be sidelined until the New Year.

The 21-year-old has been out with a back injury since appearing as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at St James' Park on October 21.

Eddie Howe initially provided a timescale of eight weeks but when asked Anderson on Friday, the Magpies' boss replied: "He's continuing his work behind the scenes. He's having another scan to see how he's healing, actually, that might be today I think.

"We'll see the results of that but he's going to be out for what we originally said which was around 12 weeks."

If Anderson is out for three months then he isn't due to return until the second week of January, rather than the Boxing Day clash at home to Nottingham Forest.

Speaking previously about Anderson's injury, Howe said: “The next day [after Crystal Palace], he woke up with a sore back and it didn’t really go away so he’s had scans and tests and it looks like eight weeks."

The 20-year-old has made 12 appearances across all competitions this campaign - the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup - including four starts.

In the midst of Newcastle's injury crisis, the Scotland international will have no doubt added to those outings.

“Elliot is hugely frustrated and we’re hugely frustrated because it was a key moment for him in his career," Howe said in October. "This was his breakthrough season in the sense of trying to get more starts and he was doing that, he was well on his way to becoming an important first-team player.

“Hugely disappointing for him and for us because his versatility was important, he could play different roles but again, we have to accept the situation and try and get him back to his best.”