Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes has had a scan on a “substantial” foot injury and could be out for “months rather than weeks”, says boss Eddie Howe.
The 25-year-old limped off after 12 minutes of Sunday’s 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United.
Barnes, signed from Leicester in July for £38m, has had a scan and is waiting to see if surgery is required.
“It’s an injury to a part of the foot just below the toe. I think it’s quite a substantial injury,” Howe said. “I won’t go too technical because I’m not qualified to do so but yes it’s a very unusual injury.”
Barnes, who has one England cap, has made seven appearances for Newcastle, scoring once.
Howe, whose side face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, added: “He was down after the game because he knew it wasn’t a normal injury where you feel a muscle and think that might be one or two weeks. This was a slightly more complex issue.”
Meanwhile, tests have shown Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice did not suffer a serious back injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
The England international, who has started every league game this season, was substituted at half-time.
After the game, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said Rice had “discomfort in his back” and hoped it was not long-term.
Rice, a £100m summer signing, was not expected to be in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup squad to face Brentford on Wednesday.
But the 24-year-old could be in contention for their Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday. Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Manchester City.
