Newcastle United wideman Christian Atsu is expected to return to action next week after being sidelined with a thigh injury.

Atsu, 25, aggravated the setback while on international duty with Ghana last week and his absence could not have come at a worse time for Rafa Benitez ahead of their trip to Manchester United on Saturday.

The African has been ruled out of the clash against United at Old Trafford with manager Rafa Benitez revealing he will return next week.

"Lascelles & Atsu are both out. Atsu is out for at least a week." he confirmed at Friday's pre-match conference at the team's training base in Benton.

The Magpies must put behind a difficult start on their return to the top-flight having rack up 14 points, that sees them in the eleventh place in the league standings after eleven rounds.

However, they come into the game having lost their previous two league encounters, both 1-0 defeats, against Burnley and Bournemouth.