Word On The Tweet

“Can only mean one thing” – Loads of Newcastle fans react to update on £45k-p/w star

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Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting online after the club confirmed that Matt Ritchie has undergone surgery on his ankle for a second time, and is now not expected to return to action until the New Year.

Ritchie sustained the blow following a tackle from Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury in our Carabao Cup First Round defeat in August, which head coach Steve Bruce described as a “horror challenge” and one that left the 30-year-old in a “mess”.

He has since suffered frequent setbacks on his comeback trail, and was forced to have an initial operation in October to clear up the bone around his ankle.

Ritchie had returned to the training pitches at Darsley Park back in September as he stepped up his rehabilitation, but the ex-Bournemouth ace has not stepped foot on the field at St. James’ Park since the EFL Cup tie with the Foxes.

Bruce had been waiting for a positive update from a specialist to see if Ritchie would be given the green light to make his long-awaited return as we enter a frantic festive schedule, but the news was evidently disheartening with the club announcing that the midfielder has been forced to go under the knife again.

Ritchie has played a total of 315 minutes across all competitions this season, and is expected to remain on the sidelines until January.

Will Ritchie feature in Bruce's plans once fit?

Yes, take Almiron's spot

Yes, take Willems' spot

Only from the bench

Here are some of the reactions offered as fans reacted to news of the £45,000-per-week ace’s latest operation…

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