Dwight Gayle's knee injury that he picked up against Crewe Alexandra will keep out of contention for months rather than weeks.
This is a huge blow for Steve Bruce's side as Gayle finished the 2019/20 season in good form, managing to net four times after the Premier League resumed.
Bruce must now turn his attention to who will replace Gayle and lead the line when his side travel to the capital to take on West Ham United in the season opener.
Lack of striking options.
The current squad has a lack of options with Andy Carroll being the only fit striker currently in training.
Carroll netted for the first time since his return to the club, with a spectacular effort in the 3-0 win over Crewe.
👏 @AndyTCarroll 👏#NUFC pic.twitter.com/TWU2dzNPp2
Injuries have plagued his career over the years and Carroll started just four Premier League games last season.
Despite the 31-year old failing to get his name on the scoresheet last season, he did show that he still has the ability to have an impact on a game, picking up four assists.
As much as Newcastle fans would love for the local lad to pick the form that he showed prior to his big-money move to Merseyside, it is an unrealistic ask for Carroll to be United's first-choice frontman for the 2020/21 season.
Japanese international Yoshinori Muto looks set to depart St. James' Park this summer with the Daily Mail reporting that the club are actively looking to sell the 28-year-old.
United's record signing Joelinton is yet to return to training. The club are yet to comment on why the Brazilian is absent and as such there is no given date for when he will be back.
Incomings needed.
As an absolute bare minimum, Newcastle need to bring in one striker.
Only Norwich City and Watford scored less than the 38 goals that Bruce's side managed last campaign. Only six of these goals were scored by out and out strikers, demonstrating the lack of firepower.
Callum Wilson is a name that has been linked with a move up to Tyneside but the Chronicle reports that any deal for the Bournemouth talisman would be likely to almost wipe out the entirety of Bruce's transfer kitty.
Elsewhere, a bizarre story from Calcio Mercato linked Newcastle to Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain.
United have just 16 days before they kick off the 2020/21 season at the London Stadium, Bruce will be hoping to add to his threadbare attacking options before the big kick-off.
