Aston Villa's Marlon Harewood is facing three months on the sidelines after breaking a metatarsal in training.
Striker set for three months on the sidelines
Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood is facing three months on the sidelines after breaking a metatarsal in training.
The 30-year-old striker, who spent three months earlier this season on loan with Newcastle, will undergo foot surgery on Tuesday.
The Magpies had been hoping to retain Harewood until the summer, but are now forced to turn their attention elsewhere for reinforcements.
The experienced hit-man rediscovered his scoring form at St James' Park after bagging six goals in 15 matches for the promotion-chasing side.
Harewood is well down Martin O'Neill pecking order with Nathan Delfouneso getting a run-out ahead of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey and John Carew in Saturday's FA Cup win over Brighton.
Hull City and former club West Ham were also believed to be in the hunt for Harewood's services, however, he is now likely to see out the campaign at Villa Park.
