Newcastle United fans have been left feeling worried about their automatic promotion hopes after reports emerged about the extent of DeAndre Yedlin's injury problem.

According to the Chronicle, the USA international will be sidelined for the next five weeks after undergoing further examination on his thigh problem.

The publication claims that Yedlin has returned to his homeland to undergo treatment, and is unlikely to return to action until late April.

The 23-year-old last played for the Magpies when he came on as a substitute in their 3-1 victory over Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium on March 4.

He has missed the last two fixtures, which ended in a goalless draw with Reading and a 3-1 defeat to Fulham.

This latest news has got fans feeling nervous, particularly as Newcastle have relinquished their lead at the top of the Championship table and currently sit level on 77 points with second-placed Brighton.

Rafael Benitez's side will face Birmingham City away at St Andrews on Saturday.

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