Fabricio Coloccini is expected to miss Newcastle United's clash with Liverpool at the weekend due to a muscle problem.
The centre-back sustained the injury while on international duty with Argentina and has been sent home prior to his country's match with Uruguay on Tuesday.
It remains unclear as to whether or not Coloccini will recover in time to face the Reds on Saturday at St James' Park.
A statement from the Argentine FA on Monday said: "The coaching staff today released Fabricio Coloccini because of a muscle injury."
Coloccini has featured eight times for Newcastle this season.
