Newcastle are unsure whether defender Kieran Trippier will return before the end of the season following foot surgery, says boss Eddie Howe.

The England international broke his foot in the 1-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday, having scored the only goal.

Trippier, who joined from Atletico Madrid for £12m in the January transfer window, also scored a free-kick in the victory over Everton on 8 February.

Howe said Trippier's operation on Thursday "went well".

"That was good news, but I don't know how long he's going to be out," he added.

"We hope to have him back before the end of the season, but it's obviously a significant injury, which is a big blow to us because he was performing so well.

"We're going to have to see how his early rehab goes."