Newcastle has been hit with a fresh injury setback after Massaido Haidara had a surgery on his knee, set to keep him on the sidelines for the rest of the season.
The French left-back was carried off on a stretcher during last month’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old’s absence leaves Newcastle with an injury crisis at the back ahead of the Tyneside Derby at struggling Sunderland on 5 April, as skipper Fabricio Collocini is suspended and the pair of Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett are likewise ruled out for the rest of the season.
Haidara joined Newcastle from French Ligue 1 outfit Nancy in January 2013.
