Double blow for Newcastle United defender

Ciaran Clark at the Emirates Stadium. | Getty Images

Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark is almost certainly out of Euro 2020 – if the tournament goes ahead as planned.

Clark has had surgery on the ankle ligaments he damaged against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last month.

The defender won’t play against this season, and Steve Bruce, United's head coach, doesn’t expect the 30-year-old to be ready for the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2020 campaign. The European Championships, however, could yet be put back given the coronavirus outbreak which has seen leagues suspended across Europe.

Bruce said: “Ciaran Clark had an operation on his ankle too. He’ll just have to recover. If they qualify, then I think it would be unlikely if the Euros were to start on June 12. I can't see it. Maybe, though.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka suffered a knee injury against Southampton last weekend. Bruce said: “Martin’s disappointed. He’s going to be missing for the next month at least.”