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Newcastle United have been dealt a fresh blow in the striking department with Manu Riviere potentially facing an operation on his knee.

The French striker was sent home from the Magpies’ US tour last month after sustaining a knock during a training session in Milwaukee.

Like a host of United first-team squad members, the former Monaco man was handed a clean slate by Steve McClaren after scoring just one Premier League goal in 23 outings last term.

It means that Newcastle may have a decision to make when it comes to bringing in another striker – not to mention on the future of Papiss Cisse, who could be allowed to leave if the Magpies sign Charlie Austin from Queens Park Rangers.

Reflecting on the injury setback of Riviere, who has damaged his meniscus, McClaren told the Chronicle: “I think Manu Riviere’s knee was painful after training.

“So he might have to have surgery.

“We are investigating that.”

However, Newcastle will welcome back Paul Dummett and Remy Cabella to the main group of players this week.

The clash with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium may come too soon for the pair.

However, they are likely to be in contention for the encounter at Old Trafford against McClaren’s former club Manchester United.

And McClaren confirmed: “Dummy will train this week and Remy Cabella.”

United have not endured too many injuries since McClaren took over.

After appointing Alessandro Schoenmaker as fitness coach, McClaren wants to reduce the number of injuries and ease congestion in Newcastle’s treatment room.

Many fans commented on the strength of Newcastle’s bench for the fixture against Southampton with the likes of Ayoze Perez, Siem de Jong, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Rolando Aarons, Steven Taylor and Cheick Tiote all included as back-up players on the day.

McClaren paid tribute to his backroom team, saying: “The staff have done a great job.

“I would really highlight that in terms of preparation.

“We said we wanted a really big squad and want everyone to pick from, so we have a real headache.

“The staff and the players have done that in terms of their prepration.”