Newcastle United player left in tears after ‘really innocuous’ serious injury

Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff looks to have suffered a serious knee injury whilst on loan at Colchester United.

The 22-year-old was stretchered off during stoppage time of Colchester’s 1-0 away win at Gillingham on Boxing Day.

Longstaff hadn’t long come as a substitute before undergoing lengthy treatment on the Priestfield Stadium pitch.

Manager Matt Bloomfield said: “Matty looks like he’s sustained a serious knee injury.

“The first question he said to me as we went through was ‘did we win?’ and that sums him up. He’s the most dedicated, caring kid that you’ll meet, in terms of his football.

“He’s had his hamstring since we’ve been in and it looks like he’s done his knee, so I’m absolutely gutted for him. He’s such a great kid - he’s come on loan and he cares and I just feel really, really gutted for him.

“Matty’s just gone to turn and something has gone in his knee. It was really innocuous in terms of the fact that there was no tackle; it was just him turning.

“I hope it’s not as bad as first feared but sometimes, the worst ones are. He’s in tears inside and I couldn’t feel for him any more than I do right now.”

Longstaff’s loan spell at Colchester, where he has been restricted to just 0 appearances due to a hamstring injury, is due to expire next month.

The midfielder’s current contract at St James’ Park is up at the end of the campaign.