Newcastle forward Sammy Ameobi could be sidelined for several months by an injury suffered on reserve team duty.

The 19-year-old limped off during Tuesday's second string victory over Wigan and could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Injury blow: Sammy Ameobi

A club spokesman said: 'Sammy Ameobi will be sidelined for a period of time, likely to be a number of months, as a result of an injury sustained in the reserves' win over Wigan.'

The England Under-21 international, the younger brother of Magpies striker Shola, left the field during the second half of a 3-1 victory over the Latics with initial reports suggesting he had damaged a knee.

Ameobi has emerged as a promising member of the first team squad this season, and has made 13 appearances, 12 of them from the bench.

He scored his first - and to date, only - senior goal for the club in a 2-1 Carling Cup second round victory at Scunthorpe on
August 25, and made his full Barclays Premier League debut at Manchester City on November 19.

News of his injury will come as a huge blow to manager Alan Pardew, who already has defender Steven Taylor and midfielder Sylvain Marveaux on the long-term injured list.

However, with Hatem Ben Arfa now back fit and Danny Guthrie approaching a return, he at least has some positive news.