Best sidelined by knee blow (From Gazette Series)

Best sidelined by knee blow

1:10pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2011

Newcastle have confirmed striker Leon Best is facing several weeks on the sidelines as he recovers from a knee ligament injury.

The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international damaged his knee in a first-half block tackle with Stephen Warnock during Sunday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory over Aston Villa.

A club statement said: "Newcastle United can today confirm that Leon Best has sustained medial ligament damage to his left knee."

The statement added: "The striker was forced off in the early stages of Sunday's home victory over Aston Villa having picked up an injury while trying to get a shot away.

"After being assessed by the club's medical staff, Best underwent a scan on Tuesday and will be out for a number of weeks."