Newcastle fans react as club confirm Matt Ritchie has undergone second surgery

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Newcastle United have confirmed that Matt Ritchie has undergone a second operation on his ankle, and will be out for the rest of 2019.

The wing-back was understood to be closing in on a return to first-team action, but has now gone under the knife  again after a recent setback.

Ritchie first sustained the injury back in August after a challenge from Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury.

The former Scotland international had initial surgery in October.

The club say they now expect the player to return in January 2020.

Newcastle have been going OK with Ritchie, with Jetro Willems stepping up to the plate in his absence.

But manager Steve Bruce has admitted (Chronicle) to missing the ‘effervescent’ 30-year-old’s experience and his influence in the dressing room.

It is a blow for the Magpies ahead of the frantic Christmas and New Year period, and he now accompanies captain Jamaal Lascelles on the sidelines.

Newcastle fans react

Lots of Newcastle fans were left cursing their luck on social media following the club’s announcement: