Dutch midfielder Siem de Jong has said he will need at least another eight weeks before resuming his career with Newcastle.

De Jong joined the Magpies in the close season arriving from Ajax, but he suffered a major setback almost immediately, sustaining a serious thigh injury just three games into his stay on Tyneside.

It was initially thought he would be out fo the rest of the year and that does not appear to have altered significantly during his time on crutches.

The 25-year-old Dutch international posted an upbeat message on his Facebook page but admitted he was still a long way from returning.

It read: "On my way back to Newcastle. Just saw the surgeon in London and all looks good.

"I can slowly start building up strength again and start walking without crutches. Still a couple of months to go but I'm going to work hard and I'm sure I will get back stronger!"