Eddie Howe has insisted that Kieran Trippier will play again this season after a successful foot operation this week.
The England full-back was taken off in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa and will miss the first of a series of matches for Newcastle United.
However, Howe is expecting him to play a part on the field again this term and says he will be a major influence behind the scenes at the training ground as he gets over his rehab.
Howe, speaking at his Press conference, said: "The update is Kieran had his operation yesterday and that went well.
"So that was good news.
"I don't know at this moment in time how long he will out for.
"But we hope to have him back before the end of the season.
"Obviously, it is a significant injury which was a big blow to us because he was performing so well.
"We hope to see him before the end of the season but in terms of a definitive timeline we will have to wait and see.
"We'll see how his early rehab goes.
"The operation was a success but it's an opportunity for somebody else to step up into his place but certainly we will miss his leadership skills on the pitch.
"He scored two goals in the last two games which have been defining moments for us.
"We are confident we have enough quality in the squad to cover."
Howe has been impressed with Trippier since he arrived from Atletico Madrid in January for a £12million fee and says he has developed as a person since working with him at Burnley earlier in his career.
Howe said: "Kieran is in an inspirational figure and certainly from knowing the young Kieran when I first started to work with to now.
"He has changed and developed many facets of his personality.
"I can't compliment him enough on everything he's achieved in his career, how he's gone about it and to lead him into the person he is now.
"The players have found him an inspirational figure.
"That won't change, he won't be on the training pitch but he will still be at the training ground and in and around them.
"He's got a big part to play."
Meanwhile, Howe also confirmed that Javier Manquillo will also miss the trip to West Ham.
He said: "It's not serious but will miss the game".
