Newcastle United star suffers season-ending injury - might have played his last game for the club

Matt Ritchie might have played his last game for Newcastle United after picking up a knee injury during training.

The 33-year-old, who joined from Bournemouth in 2016, is out-of-contract this summer. His injury, although not “too bad” according to Eddie Howe, will force him to miss the rest of the 2022-23 campaign.

Howe wants Ritchie to remain at St James’ Park but the former Scotland international could depart in search of regular first-team football, preferably closer to his family on the South Coast.

Speaking ahead of today’s Premier League clash at Leeds United, Howe said: “I think Matty still has a very strong desire to play. I see that with how he trains.

“His personality around the place is very positive, he’s high energy. He’s got a lot of energy to give. He’s controlled himself, and managed that energy, brilliantly this year.

“He has trained harder than any other player, because his expression of that energy comes through his training, because he’s not played regularly for us. I’ve said many times he’s very important behind the scenes. He’s a really good role model for younger players to look at in terms of how to conduct yourself, how to act. He’s used his leadership really effectively for us this year.

“I would love him to continue his journey with Newcastle next year, but (there) will be conversations to take place before that happens.”

Ritchie, who is into his seventh season on Tyneside, has made just 10 appearances. His two starts have come against lower-league opposition in Tranmere Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday in the cups.

The former Swindon Town winger has been an excellent servant for the football club, and will be remembered for helping United bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt in 2016-17. In total, Ritchie has made 198 appearances.

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