Newcastle United have been handed a boost to their chances of finishing in the top four this season after Tottenham Hotspur confirmed midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a season-ending injury on Saturday.
The Spurs star has been absolutely vital for their success so far this season but has suffered an ACL injury after being involved in a clash with Leicester City's Nampalys Mendy but managed to limp off the field with help from physios while in severe pain.
A statement on the club website read: "We can confirm that Rodrigo Bentancur has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will be out of action for the remainder of the campaign.
"The midfielder will undergo surgery before beginning his rehabilitation with our medical staff."
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It means Antonio Conte's squad have suffered a third injury blow in recent weeks following Yves Bissouma's ankle surgery and Hugo Lloris' damaged knee ligaments he suffered against Manchester City.
The issues mean that Spurs are left thin in various positions in an extremely close top four race which now could see Newcastle cement their place in the standings.
The Magpies haven't played Champions League football since 2003 but are currently sat in fourth, two points in front of Spurs with a game in hand over the London club and just ten points off of league leaders Arsenal.
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