NEWCASTLE United defender Kell Watts is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in pre-season training.
The 22-year-old suffered the injury during the Magpies pre-season training camp in Austria and has been forced to undergo surgery.
Head coach Eddie Howe had been casting his eye over the defender in pre-season but the injury comes as a significant blow to the centre back who was pushing for a place in the first-team.
The defender posted on Instagram: “Was absolutely gutted to start pre-season getting injured out in Austria but operation on my knee went well and back home smiling, ready to take each step on road back to playing.”
Watts returned to Darsley Park earlier this summer following a successful loan spell with Wigan Athletic where he play a starring role in their League One title winning campaign.
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