Newcastle defender undergoes operation as injury worries mount up for Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez's side were beaten 3-1 at home by Fulham yesterday.

The result left United leading the Championship by goal difference ahead of Saturday's game against Birmingham City at St Andrew's.

Centre-half Ciaran Clark limped out of the game with a knee problem.

Benitez, already without DeAndre Yedlin, also revealed in the matchday programme that another right-back, Jamie Sterry, had undergone a groin operation.

"Jamie Sterry has recently had a minor groin operation," said Benitez.

Sterry, 21, returned from a half-season loan at Coventry City in January and has been back-up to Yedlin, Gamez and Vurnon Anita.

Meanwhile, Clark's injury is being assessed by the club's medical team ahead of the Birmingham game.

“Clark picked up a knock with his knee, so we will have to see how he is," said Benitez, who yesterday celebrated his first anniversary at Newcastle.