Newcastle United have confirmed that Leon Best is facing several weeks on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old suffered damage to the medial ligament in his knee during Sunday's match with Aston Villa.

"Newcastle United can confirm that Leon Best has sustained medial ligament damage to his left knee," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The striker was forced off in the early stages of Sunday's home victory over Aston Villa having picked up an injury while trying to get a shot away.

"After being assessed by the club's medical staff, Best underwent a scan on Tuesday and will be out for a number of weeks."

Best joined the Magpies in 2010 from Coventry City.