South Korea international Ki Sung-yeung is heading back to Newcastle early after sustaining an injury at the Asian Cup.
The Magpies were unhappy to lose their summer addition to international duty in December, having asked for permission for him to link up with the squad late, however, South Korea boss Paulo Bento turned down that request.
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Ki started the Warriors’ opening game of the competition against Philippines but he came off after 58 minutes with a hamstring issue.
He subsequently sat out the following two games with Krygyzstan and China before being told he was free to return to England this week.
Newcastle will assess the full extent of the injury upon his return which comes as a huge blow as they remain in a relegation scrap.
Rafael Benitez is already short on options in midfield with Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame on the sidelines.
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