NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed that Florian Lejeune will not play again this season after injuring his knee in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

However, the club have refused to disclose whether the centre-half has damaged his cruciate ligaments, and might therefore be a doubt for the start of next season too.

Lejeune, who missed the first half of the season after sustaining liagment damage in his right knee in pre-season, injured his left knee as he tackled Andros Townsend in the second half of Saturday's game.

He left St James' Park on crutches, and after a medical assessment this morning, Newcastle have issued a statement confirming he will not play in the remaining five games of the season.

The statement said: "Newcastle United can confirm defender Florian Lejeune sustained a significant knee injury during Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace.

"The 27-year-old was forced off on a stretcher during the second half at St James’ Park after injuring his left knee – not the knee injured during pre-season which saw him miss the start of the campaign.

"Lejeune has been ruled out for the remainder of the current season and further updates on his recovery will be provided in due course."