'Sucks' - Newcastle United star pictured in brace after surgery - set for nine weeks out

Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy has started his road to recovery after undergoing surgery on his shoulder.

The 28-year-old first dislocated his shoulder in the Champions League home game against Borussia Dortmund last month before he suffered the same injury 10 days later versus Arsenal.

While Murphy sat out of matches away to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United, United's medics decided to try and avoid surgery by strapping up his shoulder.

However, just over 15 minutes after coming on as a substitute in last weekend's victory over the Gunners, the winger's shoulder popped out again.

Murphy underwent surgery earlier this week which is set to rule him out until the second week of January.

Posting an update on social media, the former Norwich City man said: "On the mend! ⛑️ Surgery went successfully on Monday night. Feeling super positive! Sucks to be injured but I’m really excited to test myself in a new & different way.

"Thank you for all the well wishes, I’ll be back before you know it new and improved 🖤🤍"

Murphy's update came hours after Howe spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of the 2-0 defeat AFC Bournemouth.

"He's had surgery," said Howe. "Non-invasive keyhole surgery on his shoulder which has hopefully fixed the problem. Timewise on that, probably about nine weeks.” 

Newcastle currently without 11 senior players through injury and suspension. Callum Wilson is set for a number of weeks after picking a fresh hamstring injury in Dortmund on Wednesday.

And the club's injury worsened on the South Coast with Miguel Almiron forced off after half-time.

United host Chelsea at St James' Park after the two-week international break.