Newcastle target Abde Ezzalzouli suffers injury ahead of the World Cup - Report

Newcastle United fans hoping to get a look at Abde Ezzalzouli during this summer's World Cup could be in for a bitter disappointment.

After Newcastle sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, the hunt for a new winger to take his place has become a top priority for the Magpies.

Newcastle have been assessing their options, with Osasuna star Victor Munoz emerging as a top target, but Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli has also been strongly linked.

While there have been a few reports suggesting that Abde may not be keen on a move to Newcastle, there have been no indications that Newcastle have given up on the idea.

The Morocco star was in action for his country on Sunday as they played out a 1-1 draw with Norway in their final warm-up game before the World Cup gets underway.

Abde Ezzalzouli picked up an injury on Sunday

Unfortunately for Newcastle fans hoping to cast their eye over the 24-year-old in this summer's tournament, Abde Ezzalzouli picked up an injury in the game against Norway.

An early examination has revealed a suspected knee ligament sprain, according to Foot Mercato's Hanif Ben Berkane. If that's the case, it could put him out of action for three to four weeks.

"Initial examinations of Abde Ezzalzouli indicate a sprain of the internal knee ligament. He is likely to be OUT for the World Cup. 

"Further examinations will take place, but he should miss 3-4 weeks of competition."

Could Abde's injury benefit Newcastle?

While it's obviously not great for Abde or Morocco, it could, in a strange way, be good news for Newcastle.

If Abde is unable to compete at the World Cup, he's less likely to get more eyes on him. He's already a coveted player, but a good showing at the World Cup could create a bigger pool of suitors and drive up his price, both of which will make it even harder for Newcastle to sign him.

As it stands, though, Newcastle seems to be way down on his list of places to move to anyway, so really all we're missing out on here is the 'Bullseye' prize - "Look at what you could have won."