Best blow for Magpies

Best: Injured

Newcastle striker Leon Best looks set to miss the start of the season through injury.

Best picked up an ankle injury in training earlier this week and has already been ruled out of Monday's showdown with Manchester United.

Newcastle are still waiting to find out the full extent of the injury amid fears Best may have ruptured ankle ligaments.

Best is set for scans next week and if Newcastle's worst fears are confirmed he could be sidelined for up to three months.

Assessing

"We're still assessing that one," Hughton told the Evening Chronicle.

"It was an ankle injury that he picked up in training.

"At the moment, it looks like he won't be available for Monday."

Best's injury will come as a blow to Newcastle as the former Coventry man has impressed in pre-season and any long-term absence could force Hughton into the transfer marker for striking reinforcements.

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