'Frustrating' - Newcastle United star ruled out for seven weeks & counting after 'difficult' injury

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has provided an update on Elliot Anderson's recovery from injury.

The Geordie midfielder hasn't featured since the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at St James' Park on October 21 because of a stress fracture in his back.

Anderson has been sidelined for seven weeks now, and although the 21-year-old's problem is healing, a return date is currently unclear.

Speaking ahead of tonight's Carabao Cup quarter-final clash away to Chelsea, Howe explained the latest surrounding Anderson.

"Elliot has been to see another specialist for a review of where he stands," Howe told reporters. "It’s a difficult injury for him because he hasn’t been able to do too much. A stress fracture to the back.

"He’s had various scans to see if it’s healing and it is healing but slowly as those types of injuries tend to do.

"The second opinion he had was of the same opinion as the first, if that makes sense, which is a good thing but slightly frustrating in terms of timeframe."

Anderson has made 12 appearances across three competitions this season - the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup - including four starts.

The matches he has missed is an opportunity missed with injuries decimating Howe's squad in recent months.

Speaking in October, Howe admitted: “Elliot is hugely frustrated and we’re hugely frustrated because it was a key moment for him in his career.

"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.”

Prior to his injury, England and Scotland had shown a keen interest in his international allegiances.