Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has been handed a boost by the news that full-back DeAndre Yedlin did not suffer a serious knee injury during Saturday’s Premier League defeat by Tottenham.

The 25-year-old United States international did not finish the game at St James’ Park after going down in some discomfort during the closing stages, and Benitez has spent the days since waiting anxiously for a full assessment.

However, tests have shown the damage was not as bad as was first feared and although he remains a doubt for this weekend’s trip to promoted Cardiff, he will be back in harness sooner rather than later.

A statement issued via the club’s official website, www.nufc.co.uk on Wednesday said: “The club can confirm that the knee injury sustained by DeAndre Yedlin on Saturday was not serious.

“The USA international defender limped off towards the end of United’s season opener against Tottenham Hotspur.

“However, he has been assessed and undergone treatment this week and is likely to resume training with his team-mates shortly.”

Right-back Yedlin, a £5million signing from Tottenham in August 2016, is one of only three senior specialist full-backs at the club with Paul Dummett operating on the left and Javi Manquillo providing cover for both sides.

Jamie Sterry, 22, is also part of the senior squad, although he has just five first team appearances and only two starts under his belt to date.