Newcastle's French winger Laurent Robert is facing a long spell on the sidelines after suffering a stress fracture to his spine.
Robert will undergo a six week treatment schedule, followed by a period of rehabilitation and is expected to be out of action until Christmas.
The 28-year-old, who joined Newcastle last summer, missed United's friendly against Wolves after an initial scan revealed vertebrae damage.
The player is unaware how he sustained the injury.
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"This is not an uncommon injury in athletes," said a Newcastle United spokesman.