‘Incredible’ Newcastle United player undergoes ACL surgery after harsh injury blow

Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing ACL surgery.

The Magpies academy graduate was stretchered off with a knee injury on Boxing Day whilst appearing on loan for Colchester United in their 1-0 win at Gillingham.

“We’ve got a lot young players who have picked up injuries out and about,” said United head coach Eddie Howe. “Matty Longstaff has just had his operation on his ACL, so we wish him well.”

Longstaff is out-of-contract in the summer but is set to remain on Tyneside until he has completed his rehabilitation.

“Very difficult for any young player to pick up any serious injury,” Howe said. “For Matty, it is bad timing for him.

“We certainly wish him well and hope he recovers fully. We will support him back to full fitness. It’s our duty and we want to do that for him.

“Very much like his brother, he’s an incredible lad and Newcastle through and through. He’s in good hands.”

The 22-year-old has made 20 senior appearances for his boyhood club - the last being a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in January 2021 under Steve Bruce.