EDDIE HOWE is hoping Matt Targett’s muscular issue will not keep him out of action with Newcastle United for too long.

Targett was forced to sit out this afternoon’s goalless draw with Brighton after suffering muscular damage as Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest on the opening weekend of the season.

While it was initially thought the full-back had just suffered a dead leg, a scan has revealed a more serious issue.

However, Howe is hoping his summer signing from Aston Villa is not facing a lengthy lay-off.

“He (Targett) got a dead leg last week to his hamstring,” said the Newcastle head coach. “We felt it was just a knock, but we had a scan and it showed very, very subtle damage to the muscle.

“We’re treating it like a very small muscle strain, but we’re hoping he will be back soon.”

Ryan Fraser was also absent from the squad from today’s game because of a back issue, but again, Howe does not expect the winger to be out for a prolonged spell.

“He (Fraser) had a slight back spasm on Thursday and Friday,” he said. “He was close to making the game, but not fit.”