Emil Krafth put on standby to play at Newcastle United – here's why

Ritchie, sidelined since late August, will not play again this year after undergoing a second ankle operation.

And United head coach Steve Bruce will also be without defender DeAndre Yedlin for tomorrow’s Premier League home game against Manchester City. Summer sigining Emil Krafth has been put on standby to play.

“We’ve got a problem with Yedlin – he’s hurt his hip,” said Bruce, whose side is 14th in the division.

On Ritchie’s extended absence, Bruce said: “Unfortunately, it’s what it is. We hope he’s back in training early January. Let’s hope it’s done the trick. The really frustrating thing for Matty was that he was so close. It happens in football, unfortunately. I said at the time it was a bad challenge. Let’s hope Matty makes a speedy recovery.”