Newcastle United have confirmed that Florian Lejeune has undergone successful knee surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

The 27-year-old defender played in the Magpies' first pre-season game against St Patrick's Athletic but has not featured since due to the injury, which was sustained in training.

Rafael Benitez revealed in late July that Lejeune needed an operation and, on Wednesday evening, Newcastle announced that their player is now on the road to recovery.

The club have not yet put a timescale on the Frenchman's return to action from an injury but several media outlets, including The Sun, suggest that the centre-back will be out for the whole season.

"I was speaking with Florian before and after his operation," Benitez told the club's website.

"The doctor says it has gone well and he seems to be in good spirits. I join everybody at the club in wishing him a speedy recovery."

Lejeune joined Newcastle from Spanish club Eibar last summer and made 24 appearances for the Magpies last season.