Newcastle suffer injury blow as Longstaff ruled out for season

Newcastle United will be without midfielder Sean Longstaff for the remainder of the season after the academy graduate was ruled out with a knee injury.

The 21-year-old’s chances of being selected to represent England at this summer’s under-21 European Championships have also been wrecked as a result.

Longstaff was forced off during Newcastle’s defeat to West Ham United last weekend and was pictured on crutches before visiting a specialist to discover the true extent of his injury.

Since making his debut against Liverpool at Christmas, Longstaff has established himself as a key member of the Magpies squad; however, the 21-year-old will miss Newcastle’s final nine Premier League matches.

Longstaff has made 13 appearances for the Premier League outfit, scoring twice, in an incredible run of form for the Geordies.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez could now be forced to turn towards Jonjo Shelvey as a midfield replacement for Longstaff. The former England midfielder has dropped down the pecking order at St James’ Park, leading to rumours of a summer move to West Ham United.

Shelvey made his recent return from a thigh injury for Newcastle’s under-23’s and could now see his reintegration with the senior squad accelerated.