Steve Bruce reveals his concerns over Matt Ritchie's absence as Newcastle United winger's issues continue
![NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United walks off injured during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St James' Park on August 28, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/image/onecms:8757a117-dad4-4770-9aa1-e580765abd54:1170aef2-c925-4de5-9ea4-65de2e602b53/image.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United walks off injured during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St James' Park on August 28, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)](/img/placeholder.png)
Bruce has revealed Ritchie, injured by a horror challenge from Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury back in August, has again been sent for a “second opinion” to a specialist as he bids to return to action.
No date has been set for the former Scotland international’s return.
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Hide AdOn Ritchie’s issues, Bruce said: “It is still on-going. He went again to see a specialist yesterday (Wednesday).
“It’s a difficult one because he was so close a couple of weeks ago but then had a setback.
“He has now gone to seek a second opinion.
“A difficult and frustrating situation for him. He was so close, taking part in training then he unfortunately had a reaction.
“Matty has been a big loss – we have been without him practically all season.”