Scott Parker is set to miss the rest of the season after Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder said he suspected the midfielder was suffering from glandular fever.
If test results confirm the illness, the 25-year-old will not play again this campaign - ending his hopes of making England's World Cup squad.
"Glandular fever is what we are expecting. We think he's had this for a month or more," said Roeder.
"That sums up everything you need to know about Scott Parker."
The news will come as a blow to the Magpies, who have seen the former Charlton player thrive since his £6.5m summer move from Chelsea to St James' Park.
He has been a regular when fit at Newcastle, and has reproduced the form which persuaded the Blues to invest £10m in his services in January 2004.
His central midfield partnership with Turkey international Emre was a feature of the club's improved form after the departure of Graeme Souness.
Newcastle face Champions League-chasing Tottenham at St James' Park on Saturday looking to return to winning ways
Sympathise with Newcastle Utd , really summed up their season .
i pity him..he should be the dm for england if they ever needed one..
no difference really as newcastle's season is long over.
Parker is a good player.
Liverpool should get him to replace Hamann.
i think parker is too injuy prone.
No doubt their best player this season.