Newcastle United dealt new bombshell as ‘key’ player suffers injury

Newcastle United have been rocked by a fresh injury blow to Jonjo Shelvey.

The Magpies midfielder only recently returned from a hamstring injury that kept him out for the majority of the first half of the campaign.

Shelvey made four appearances before the five-and-a-half-week World Cup break - including a start against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

And after completing his rehab and enjoying game time during pre-season friendlies against Al-Hilal and Rayo Vallecano, the 30-year-old was pushing for a return to Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

However, a calf injury is expected to rule the former Liverpool man out for six to eight weeks.

Shelvey, whose contract expires in the summer, was tipped to play a big role for United during the second half of the season by Howe.

“Jonjo is a key component of our squad,” Howe said on Friday. “He’s got that experience but he’s got a fierce drive and determination to play and he’s got unique skills we need in the team. Delighted to get him back.”

Newcastle were also without Callum Wilson for the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City due to illness.