Matt Ritchie concerns continue for Steve Bruce as Newcastle United man is sent BACK to specialist

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United walks off injured during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St James' Park on August 28, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has revealed the concerns over Matt Ritchie’s ankle injury are “on-going”.

Bruce has revealed Ritchie, injured by a horror challenge from Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury back in August, has again been sent for a “second opinion” to a specialist as he bids to return to action.

No date has been set for the former Scotland international’s return.

On Ritchie’s issues, Bruce said: “It is still on-going. He went again to see a specialist yesterday (Wednesday).

“It’s a difficult one because he was so close a couple of weeks ago but then had a setback.

“He has now gone to seek a second opinion.

“A difficult and frustrating situation for him. He was so close, taking part in training then he unfortunately had a reaction.

“Matty has been a big loss – we have been without him practically all season.”