MATT Ritchie may have played his last game for Newcastle United after Eddie Howe revealed the winger has picked up a knee injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season.

The injury blow comes as Ritchie approaches the end of his Newcastle contract, which is due to expire this summer.

Despite only playing 35 minutes of Premier League football this season and not starting a single game, boss Eddie Howe hopes Ritchie agrees a new deal and stays at this club, but he admits that at this stage it's uncertain what the future holds and talks will take place in the coming weeks.

Although he hasn't played much this season, Howe says Ritchie has been a "hugely important" figure behind the scenes.

He has been a regular on the bench for the Magpies and his experience has been crucial in the dressing room on a matchday, but he won't have any part to play in the remaining four games of the season.

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Howe said: "Matt has picked up a knee injury. I don't think it's too bad but I think it will keep him out for the rest of the season."

Quizzed on Ritchie's future, Howe said: "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 has a lot of energy to give.

"He's controlled himself and managed that energy brilliantly this year, he's trained harder than probably any other player because that's his expression of that energy.

"He's been hugely important behind the scenes, he's a really good role model for the younger players, how to conduct yourself and how to act. He's used his leadership really effectively.

"I would love him to continue his journey with Newcastle next year but there will be conversations to take place before that happens."