Newcastle United defender Matt Targett was ruled out with injury before their 0-0 draw with Leeds.

The former Southampton left-back was not named on the bench and it has emerged he has been suffering with a heel injury. The defender left the ground in a protective boot after taking in the 0-0 draw against Leeds from the sidelines.

After the game, manager Eddie Howe said: "Matt Targett has a heel problem.

"He's been managing it for a couple of months, and it's got to the point where it's too painful for him to carry on.

"When I say a couple of months, I'm including the (World Cup) break in that as well.

"So, yes, disappointing.

"I think he's going to be out for a period of time, I'm not 100% sure how long at the moment. "It's a nasty injury."