Overview
- Howe said a specialist confirmed an eight‑week layoff after initial scans offered a more encouraging picture than first feared.
- The 22-year-old was stretchered off in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal following an awkward collision with William Saliba.
- Medical tests showed ligament damage without a repeat ACL rupture, easing concerns of a season-ending injury.
- The setback is expected to cost him roughly 10 to 11 fixtures, including Champions League ties against Union Saint-Gilloise, Benfica and Athletic Bilbao, plus England World Cup qualifiers.
- Cover options include Kieran Trippier or Emil Krafth on the right with Lewis Hall or Dan Burn on the left as Newcastle manage the schedule.