Steve Bruce gives injury update ahead of Leicester City

The winger has been sidelined since August, when he suffered an ankle injury in a cup tie against Leicester City which has needed two operations.

However, Ritchie could be back in training ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie away to Rochdale.“Matt’s on the grass, so maybe in a week or 10 days (he will be available),” said head coach Steve Bruce. “The cup tie is something we’re looking at, but he’s been out a long time, so like I did with Flo (Florian Lejeune), I think I’ve got to box a bit careful. We’ll see how he is.”

Bruce doesn’t expect to have anyone back for this afternoon’s Premier League home game against Leicester.

“I don’t think anyone will be back,” said Bruce. “(Paul) Dummett, (Ciaran) Clark? No. Ritchie, no. (Jamaal) Lascelles, no. No, unfortunately.”