There is increasing concern at Newcastle United that striker Mark Viduka may have to undergo further surgery in order to solve a long standing Achilles problem.

The Australian striker has been sorely missed by the Magpies in a season that so far has been riddled with problems both on and off the pitch. Viduka has not featured since the end of last season and went under the knife during the summer in a hope to cure the problem.

However, Newcastle’s temporary manager Joe Kinnear has revealed that at the moment the club are unsure what to do next. He said “We know there's a chance Mark will need surgery which isn't good news…He's had a scan but wants a second opinion and so do our medical people, so he's gone to Australia to get one”.

Viduka moved to Newcastle in 2007 and has scored 7 goals in 26 appearances.