Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton could be sidelined for several months after undergoing surgery on a foot injury.

Barton had exploratory surgery on his right foot on Thursday and the Magpies are now awaiting full details of the extent of the damage.

However, the club are confident the problem is not connected to Barton's previous foot problems - he has suffered two metatarsal injuries in the past.

Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini will also sit out the clash with Bristol City at St James' Park with a groin problem, but Ryan Taylor could return from a calf strain.

Striker Shola Ameobi remains on the sidelines with a foot injury and is expected to be out of action for up to two months.

Bristol City will welcome Jamie McCombe back into their squad for the trip.

The central defender was sent off in last week's defeat at Derby for two yellow cards and missed Tuesday night's victory over Blackpool.

Fellow defender Liam Fontaine, who also missed the midweek win with a knee problem, should be fit to play so boss Gary Johnson will have a decision to make on his central defensive pairing after Louis Carey and Lewin Nyatanga performed well in keeping a clean sheet against the Seasiders.

Paul Hartley is set to be out of action after coming down with shingles, while goalkeeper Dean Gerken has returned to training following a virus but is not expected to be well enough to travel so Adriano Basso will continue in goal.

Danny Haynes could be in line for a start after coming off the bench and grabbing a goal on Tuesday.

The Robins have yet to win on the road this season as they travel north to face the Magpies for the first time in the league since 1992, where they were beaten 5-0.