NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Callum Wilson of Newcastle United (9) is congratulated by teammates after scoring Newcastles fourth goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on August 12, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett will be out for three months after undergoing surgery.
The 28-year-old was only four minutes into his second game of the 2023-24 season at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last week when he suffered a hamstring injury.
Targett was seen by a specialist on Monday, prior of Newcastle’s Champions League setback at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, according to Magpies head coach Eddie Howe.
Targett verified his surgery on Thursday by uploading a photo from his hospital bed.
He wrote on social media, “Still trying to wrap my brain around the injuries… I felt great coming into the United game!! Strange injury to occur in the first few minutes of the game!
“Surgery went well yesterday, so I’m recovering.” “I’m determined to return stronger than ever.”
Howe stated a timetable of three months out.”It’s not going to be a short-term fix for Matt, he’ll be out for, I’d probably say around three months but that’s a rough estimate,” Howe added.
“It’ll be around that figure regardless of whether he has surgery or not.”
Targett is one of numerous players who have been ruled out, including Dan Burn, Harvey Barnes, and Elliot Anderson, as well as the suspended Sandro Tonali.
Sven Botman and Jacob Murphy may also have surgery in the following weeks.
Murphy, who dislocated his shoulder against Dortmund a week ago, is almost certain to play. When Newcastle medics strapped the winger’s shoulder for Saturday’s 1-0 win against Arsenal, it sprang out again.
Botman, on the other hand, is less certain. Due to a knee injury, the Dutchman has not played since scoring his first Newcastle goal in an 8-0 win over Sheffield United in September.
Botman was just back on the grass, but it is anticipated that he would require surgery if the problem persists.
