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Siem De Jong is to be handed a coaching role to keep him switched on during his latest rehabilitation.

The Dutch star is facing eight weeks out after a “major” op on the second collapsed lung of his career.

Head coach John Carver will ask De Jong, who had been out with a groin problem since September, if he wants to help out by monitoring U21 games, and reporting back.

Carver said: “He’s such a positive guy he might be back quicker than anyone expects.

“I want to make him feel part of the club because I think he’s a little bit frustrated because he’s come here with a big reputation and he’s not been able to get on the pitch and give something to the fans.

(Image: Jan Kruger)

“He got so close and then it’s like chopping his legs away. So I need to have a discussion with him but if I can use him around the place I’d be mad not to.”

Newcastle are also missing Paul Dummett, Cheick Tiote, both for the season, and Remy Cabella for the Manchester City clash this weekend.

Carver said: “ If you look at the injuries – Siem, Cheick, Dummett, Steven Taylor – four of our big players have serious injuries, not muscle strains.

“You’d normally get one or two of those in a season, we got three in a week – it’s a bit unfortunate.”