How long Elliot Anderson will be out injured for as Newcastle suffer fresh injury blow

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Newcastle United have suffered a major midfield blow at the worst possible time.

Eddie Howe already has fitness worries heading into a busy run of games, with Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy picking up injuries against Borussia Dortmund.

Newcastle also have the situation involving Sandro Tonali, who is set to receive a 10-month ban for betting. However, there is a chance he could still play against Wolves on Saturday.

But he is going to be unavailable long-term, and now another midfielder is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Eddie Howe provides disappointing update on Elliot Anderson injury

Following the defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Eddie Howe confirmed that Elliot Anderson was looking at a few weeks out with a back injury.

However, it now looks like the problem is worse than first feared.

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who was at Howe’s press conference on Friday morning, Anderson is going to be out of action for eight weeks after suffering a stress fracture in his back.

“Elliot looks like he’s going to be out for around eight weeks with a back problem which is a pretty bizarre injury,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.

Newcastle suffer another midfield blow after Sandro Tonali

It is such a shame to lose Anderson for the next eight weeks. That means will not see him in a black and white shirt again until December.

That is a major blow, as the 20-year-old has been playing brilliantly. He has taken his pre-season form into competitive action, and has been something of a regular for Howe.

But now the academy graduate is unavailable, leaving the Magpies rather light in the middle of the park.

Once Tonali’s ban becomes official, Howe will only have four senior centre-midfielders to choose from – one of which is Joe Willock, who has just returned to fitness.

It could lead to minutes for Newcastle teenager Lewis Miley. The 17-year-old has made just one appearance this season, starting in the Carabao Cup win over Manchester City.

While it is a massive shame to lose Anderson for the next two months, it could create a massive opportunity for the Toon wonderkid.