Lascelles limped out of the Magpies’ 2-1 home win over Bournemouth at the weekend and Steve Bruce said the defender would be assessed this week.

Scans have revealed knee ligament damage which at best will see the player return in January.

It comes as a blow with Lascelles leading United to seven points from their last nine in the Premier League and away from the top flight relegation zone.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United celebrates with Joelinton of Newcastle United after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James Park on October 27, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

United are, of course, well stocked in that department. Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez have slotted straight into the back three with ease in recent weeks while Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune, arguably Newcastle’s best defenders, are closing in on first-team returns after the international break.

Meanwhile, a remarkable story has broken from South America – and it’s been told by a Newcastle United cult hero.

Elsewhere, United’s young striker Elias Sorensen looks like he has been handed a loan deal lifeline after a torrid time over at Carlisle United.