Ciaran Clark will miss the Euro 2020 qualifier with Slovakia and the rest of Newcastle's season due to an ankle injury.
The central defender sustained the injury following a challenge with Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in Newcastle's 4-0 Premier League defeat on February 16.
Clark left the Emirates on crutches that day, and had been wearing a protective boot since.
However, a visit with a specialist revealed the extent of the damage suffered and he will be merely a spectator as Newcastle aim to preserve their Premier League status between now and May.
Newcastle are yet to comment on Clark's injury, but it's believed he suffered ligament damage to the ankle.
The Magpies sit 7-points from safety with eleven games of the season remaining.
The 30-year old had been a key member of the Newcastle side this season with the former Aston Villa man undergoing something of a career renaissance under Steve Bruce.
Clark had also worked his way back into Mick McCarthy's thinking with Ireland, playing the full 90-minutes of the 3-1 friendly victory over New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium in November.
He's the third Newcastle defender to suffer a long-term injury this season, joining Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems on the sidelines.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
