Crisis club Newcastle United have been given further bad news. Striker Alan Smith has suffered a stress fracture to his foot and is now expected to be absent for the next three months.

Smith is expected to undergo surgery shortly. Caretaker Manager Chris Hughton said “Alan Smith will have an operation which could keep him out for about three months”.

The former Manchester United striker has been a peripheral figure since joining the club last season but with Newcastle’s injury list growing his loss will be sorely felt.

Currently, United are without Mark Viduka, Habib Beye, Jonas Gutierrez, Obafemi Martins and Jose Enrique. Danny Guthrie and Joey Barton are also unavailable through suspension.

Smith was signed by former United manager Sam Allardyce in August 2007 for £6 Million. He has played 33 times for the club, but he has yet to score a goal.