Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson is set for around another six weeks on the sidelines - resulting in a total of five months on the sidelines for the 21-year-old.
Anderson suffered a stress fracture in his back in October and hasn't been seen in action since the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace almost four months ago.
Magpies head coach Eddie Howe told The Gazette at the time: "The next day [after Crystal Palace], he woke up with a sore back and it didn't really go away so he's had scans and tests and it looks like eight weeks."
But it has taken Anderson significantly longer than eight weeks to recover with the player undergoing several scans on his back. He is still yet to return to full training with the first-team with reports from Mail Sport claiming the youngster will still need 'around six weeks' before being back in contention despite positive results in his latest scan.
Howe will be looking to bolster his side in any way possible over the coming weeks with Anderson sidelined until March and Joelinton undergoing thigh surgery that will end his season prematurely. Fortunately, several players are close to a return to action.
Jacob Murphy is back in training and in contention to return in Newcastle's upcoming FA Cup fourth round match at Fulham next Saturday (7pm kick-off). The winger had surgery on a dislocated shoulder back in November.
Howe expects to have both Murphy and striker Callum Wilson back from a calf injury for the Aston Villa match on January 30 while Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes are understood to be a matter of weeks away after lengthy absences.
1. Jacob Murphy (calf)
Felt a tight calf in the warm-up at Nottingham Forest that rendered him 'unusable' for the match. Expected return: AFC Bournemouth (H) - 17/02
2. Callum Wilson (chest)
Wilson managed to complete 90 minutes at Nottingham Forest but ended the match with his arm in a makeshift sling. Eddie Howe said after the game that he hopes the injury is not serious but it was too soon to tell. It has since been revealed the striker suffered a pectoral injury in his chest. Expected return: TBC
3. Alexander Isak (groin)
Newcastle's top scorer was forced off during Tuesday's 3-1 win at Aston Villa with a groin issue. While it's not thought to be serious, Eddie Howe said he could be out for the next couple of games Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
4. Matt Targett (hamstring)
Matt Targett has been on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Manchester United. The left-back had surgery on his hamstring in November and given a three month recovery time. Howe has since confirmed Targett is back on the grass but not running just yet. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02