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Newcastle United are confident that Florian Lejeune will make a quicker-than-expected recovery from knee-ligament damage - and may even be back out on the pitch by early-2019.

The Frenchman suffered anterior-ligament damage during a training session in pre-season, and there were initial fears that the centre-back could miss the entirety of the 2018/19 campaign.

However, after Lejeune underwent a successful knee operation conducted by a trusted and world-renowned specialist in Italy, Rafa Benitez is cautiously optimistic that he could welcome the 27-year-old back into his squad within four to six months’ time.

(Image: Newcastle United)

Historically, knee-ligament injuries would sideline players for between nine months and a year, but Benitez has faith that Professor Paolo Mariani - who conducted Lejeune’s operation - will ensure the defender is back in half that time. The Newcastle manager has sent players to the same specialist in the past, and they have always made a swift recovery.

During his time at Napoli, Benitez sent midfielder Rome-based knee specialist Mariani with a similar knee problem - and the forward returned in less than six months.

Rolando Aarons, meanwhile, was also operated on by Mariani in 2016, and the United winger returned to full training just four months after his operation.

Benitez has spoken with Lejeune in recent days and, given the videos the Frenchman has posted on social media showing himself undergoing exercise and walking on a treadmill, the Newcastle manager is confident the centre-back will return by January or February.

(Image: Newcastle United)

“Normally this injury, in the past, could be nine months. It depends on what is going on, but it was between six and nine months,” Benitez replied when asked if he had an update on long Lejeune was sidelined for.

“Now, in our experience with this surgeon [Professor Mariani] in Italy, it takes less - normally between four and six months. It depends what is going on and if we have any complications.”

Federico Fernandez joined Newcastle on transfer-deadline day earlier this month as injury cover for Lejeune, with Benitez having already added Fabian Schar to his defensive ranks.

Ciaran Clark deputised for Lejeune during the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last week, while captain Jamaal Lascelles is Benitez’s fourth currently-fit centre-back - but seemingly the Spaniard will have five defenders to choose from by the turn of the year.

Pushed as to whether Benitez expected Lejeune to play again this season, the United manager was unequivocal in his belief that Newcastle fans will see the centre-back out on the pitch long before the campaign is out.

“Yes, for sure,” Benitez said. “Last year we had Rolando, and he was fine in four months with the same surgeon.

“Normally, between four and six months - if you don’t have any complications.”