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DeAndre Yedlin is expected to miss five weeks of action for Newcastle United after a further assessment on a thigh injury.

The right-back has not appeared for Newcastle since the 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town, when he came on as substitute at the John Smith’s Stadium.

United’s backroom team was not too concerned with the problem to begin with - but the muscle tear is worse than first feared.

He was instantly pulled out of the squad for the draw with Reading and he missed the 3-1 defeat at home to Fulham.

Since then Yedlin has returned to the United States for a further assessment. He was left out of the US national team’s squad for games with Panama and Honduras later this month.

However, he is expected to play again for Newcastle this season and also be available for the USA’s Gold Cup campaign this summer.

USA head coach Bruce Arena said today: “DeAndre has been in LA this past week and examined by our team doctors.

“We realise he is not going to be able to go to these next two matches against Honduras and Panama.

“It is likely he will be out for about five weeks.

“I would expect he will be back on the field for Newcastle right at the end of this season in April.”

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It leaves Newcastle with Vurnon Anita and Jesus Gamez challenging for the right-back slot.

Rafa Benitez said earlier this week: “We have Anita and Jesus fighting for that position. That is always positive for the team.

“It is good for us because Anita has been doing well.

“Jesus also played well the other day. His match fitness is something he needs to improve. The only way to do that is by playing games.

“We will see but I will say the competition for places is really good.”