Newcastle United’s medical staff fear Andy Carroll will not be able to start a game until after Christmas at the earliest as he continues his rehabilitation from a career-threatening ankle injury.

Carroll came off the bench to a standing ovation when he played the final eight minutes, plus stoppage time, of the goalless draw against Brighton last weekend.

The striker’s return to his hometown club has been about the only feelgood story of Newcastle’s season so far, but there are major doubts about what sort of impact the 30-year-old will actually have on the team.

The Magpies signed Carroll on a free transfer following surgery on his ankle and his release by West Ham United in the summer and were willing to take a gamble on their former Academy player’s fitness because of his emotional bond with the club.

Carroll, whose time at West Ham was decimated by injuries, has spoken emotionally this week about his return and what it means to him, but Newcastle manager Steve Bruce desperately needs him on the pitch.