Newcastle United midfielder ruled out three matches in new injury blow

The 20-year-old joined League Two side Newport County on loan in the summer but was forced to undergo hernia surgery less than a week after making his debut against Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy.

That ruled Miley out for around six weeks before he returned to make his EFL debut in a 2-0 win at Gillingham last month. He went on to start to the next three matches but has since missed the last three due to back spasms.

It is unconfirmed when Miley will next play. His time is South Wales has proven to be a frustrating one so far, missing 13 matches in total.

The Magpies are keeping a close eye on Miley’s progress after he featured regularly for Eddie Howe’s first-team in pre-season.

With younger brother Lewis sidelined because of a broken metatarsal and Sandro Tonali still suspended at the time, Miley played in friendlies against SpVgg Unterhaching, Hull City and Urawa Red Diamonds before making his senior St James’ Park bow versus Girona.

Speaking after the Girona win, Howe said: “It’s a lazy comparison but it was a very Lewy Miley type performance and I mean that as a massive compliment because he was very composed on the ball and very diligent off the ball, I thought he really helped us.

“Good tactically which isn’t easy for someone so young to come in and deliver that. As always with Jamie, he’s very level-headed and calm. That will have been a big moment in his career and I was delighted with how he did.”

During his previous spell on the sidelines, the midfielder was back on Tyneside for treatment.