Newcastle United star ruled out for another 'four to five weeks' as surgery considered

Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes won't return for another four to five weeks as he battles back from a foot injury.

The Magpies' £38million summer signing has been sidelined for three months after first sustaining the problem during the opening stages of the 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September.

Barnes was on course to return last week but suffered a setback. The 26-year-old could still undergo surgery, which would rule him out for longer, but as it stands, a January return date is pencilled in.

Speaking to the media ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Chelsea, Howe said: “That is an ongoing process. He’s hopeful to come back within four to five weeks. That’s the latest plan.”

Barnes, on the advice of a specialist, was told he didn't need an operation earlier in the campaign but that could change depending on how his recovery goes in the coming weeks.

Indeed, the former Leicester City man is one of several Newcastle players to pick up long-term injuries this term. As it stands, United could be without 13 senior players for the visit to Stamford Bridge.

Asked about the amount of injuries after the 3-0 win over Fulham, Howe said: “I don't think it takes much of an internal investigation. The problem we've had is because we've had injuries to start with.

"The early ones we picked up, it meant our squad has just not managed the games. It's been impossible to, we've had to pick the same players continually and eventually those players with the load that they're playing under will break, so I think we've just been a victim of circumstance.

"Don't get me wrong, there have been mistakes made and there will always be mistakes made medically because it's that kind of profession.

"You're not going to get every assessment right. A lot of the time, you're in the hands of the specialist. But the weight of games we've had – and it's still unrelenting for us – we just haven't recovered properly.