Managerless Newcastle have been dealt yet another blow with the news influential midfielder Nicky Butt will miss the start of the new season.
The 34-year-old needs surgery to repair the hand injury he suffered in last weekend's friendly at Darlington and will not be available for four weeks.
A club statement said: "Newcastle United can confirm that Nicky Butt requires an operation on the hand injury sustained during Saturday's 7-2 victory at Darlington."
Caretaker boss Chris Hughton revealed after Saturday's game that Butt had suffered a partial dislocation of his thumb.
The Magpies open their Coca-Cola Championship campaign at West Brom on Saturday, August 8.
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