'Bizarre' - Newcastle United star undergoes surgery in long-term blow - two more could follow

Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett is set to be sidelined for the next three months after undergoing surgery. 

The 28-year old was starting just his second game of the 2023-24 campaign at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last week when he picked up a hamstring injury four minutes in. 

Speaking on Monday ahead of the Champions League defeat in Borussia Dortmund, Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe revealed Targett was visiting a specialist to determine if whether he required surgery.

Targett confirmed on Thursday he had gone under the knife after uploading a photo from his hospital bed.

He posted on social media: “Still finding it hard to get my head around the injury… felt so good going into the United game!! Completely bizarre injury to happen in a couple of minutes of the game! 

“Surgery went well yesterday so I’m on the mend. Determined to come back better than ever ” 

A timescale of three months out was revealed by Howe. 

“It’s not going to be a short-term fix for Matt, he’ll be out for, I’d probably say around three months but that’s a rough estimate,” said Howe. 

“It’ll be around that figure regardless of whether he has surgery or not.”

Targett is one of several players ruled out, many of whom are also long-term, including Dan Burn, Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson, plus the suspended Sandro Tonali. 

Jacob Murphy and Sven Botman could also undergo surgery in the coming weeks.

Indeed, it is almost certain Murphy will after dislocating his shoulder against Dortmund a fortnight ago. Newcastle medics strapped up the winger’s shoulder for the 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday it popped out again.

It is, however, less certain with Botman. The Dutchman hasn’t featured since scoring his first Newcastle goal during the 8-0 victory at Sheffield United in September because of a knee issue. 

Botman was back out on the grass recently but it is feared he may need an operation as the problem persists.