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Gabriel Obertan is likely to be ruled out until next year after suffering a thigh injury.

The Magpies are currently assessing the winger’s “serious” injury after he went down unchallenged in the 1-0 win over Liverpool before being stretchered off. It is believed to be Obertan’s upper thigh that has been damaged.

The untimely blow comes after some of Obertan’s best football in a black and white shirt since signing from Manchester United.

The Chronicle understands that Obertan’s injury could see him ruled out for a similar timescale to Siem de Jong. The Dutchman suffered a different thigh injury in September and Alan Pardew stated he does not expect him back until January.

Losing Obertan for five months would be a huge disappointment for Pardew.

No return date has been set as he is assessed further but it is likely that it won’t be until 2015 when Newcastle fans see him again.

Pardew said after the injury: “Losing Obertan to what looks like a serious injury is a massive blow for him and for us.

“He has been a big part of what we have done in this period.”

Obertan’s display at Swansea City in the 2-2 draw helped pick up a valuable point when Newcastle were on the ropes.

He scored the vital goal against Leicester to secure the first win of the season and played his part in the 2-0 win over Manchester City in the League Cup.

It means that Pardew will now have the opportunity to give Rolando Aarons more game-time.

After beating Liverpool, Pardew said: “Rolando Aarons come on and he offers us the same pace the other side. It balanced us up.”

Pardew will assess his selection options this week.

Papiss Cisse is set to be available but the Magpies are continuing to tread carefully with the striker’s knee injury.

He was withdrawn at half-time of the Liverpool game over concerns about his knee and his movement. But Pardew could restore him to the starting line-up against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.

Former United coach Alan Irvine has already identified this Sunday’s clash as a “difficult” test.

The Baggies beat Leicester 1-0 on Saturday.

He said: “It’s a great feeling for us and it gives us a platform to go into the next game - Newcastle at home - which will be really difficult for us.”