LuaLua's comeback lasted just 28 minutes, with the midfielder hobbling off the pitch in last night's reserve friendly against Newcastle Blue Star at a rain-lashed Kingston Park.

The game – United's final second string warm-up fixture – was abandoned with 10 minutes left and the score goalless, as the conditions deteriorated.

LuaLua will today have a MRI scan on his ankle to discover the extent of the problem.

While the 17-year-old midfielder has hurt the same ankle that had previously kept him out of most of Newcastle's pre-season, the Gazette understands he suffered a fresh injury against Blue Star after taking a hefty whack in the first half.

For his part, LuaLua is hoping the latest problem will not keep him out for long.

He told the Gazette: "I was just caught on my ankle. I have to go for a scan, but I hope I won't be out for too long. It's frustrating but hopefully after the scan, I'll find out I won't be out for long."

Coach Adam Sadler, meanwhile, was happy with how his team went about their job against the Unibond First Division North side in atrocious conditions.

"It wasn't a bad performance," said Sadler. "The lads had five games in three days in a youth tournament in Holland, so there was always going to be an issue of fatigue.

"But I thought the effort and the attitude was spot on from the boys. Credit to the lads – there were good moments in the game."

UNITED: Forster (Krul 46), Morris, Kominiak, Tozer, Solli, Marwood, Donaldson, Zamblera, LuaLua (Godsmark 28), Danquah. Subs not used: Bath, Grieve, Neary, McLaughlin.