Sean Longstaff 'out for FOUR months' at Newcastle United

The Gazette understands that cautious Newcastle United do not expect the midfielder to play again this season.

Longstaff suffered knee ligament damage in last weekend's 2-0 defeat to West Ham United.

The 21-year-old – who has started the club's last 11 league and cup games – left the London Stadium on crutches and had a scan early this week.

Longstaff, handed a chance in January after Rafa Benitez lost Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey to injury and Ki Sung-yueng to the Asian Cup, saw a specialist on Wednesday.

The Daily Mail claim that the injury could keep Longstaff out for "up to four months".

Newcastle have made no comment this week, though the club is expected to give an update ahead of Benitez's pre-match Everton press conference tomorrow.

Longstaff had been outstanding during his run of games alongside Isaac Hayden in Benitez's midfield.

Speaking after the West Ham game, manager Benitez: "I think for anyone to have an injury is bad news. But for a young player who was doing so well, it's even worse."

Longstaff – who spent last season on loan at Blackpool – signed a new four-year deal with United in December after impressing Benitez.

UPDATE: Newcastle have confirmed that Longstaff is "likely" to miss the rest of the season.

A club statement read: "Newcastle United can confirm midfielder Sean Longstaff is likely to miss the remainder of the season with a knee ligament injury."