JOHN CARVER is ready to give Siem De Jong some behind-the-scenes work to help him back from injury at Newcastle United.

De Jong has undergone surgery after suffering a collapsed lung for the second time in two-and-half years.

The Dutchman has not played since August due to injury and that has prevented him from living up to his £6m billing following his switch from Ajax.

But the operation has gone well and Carver is looking ahead to having De Jong involved - even if it's not on the pitch.

"It's a blow for us but also himself," said the Newcastle interim head coach, who also revealed that Remy Cabella could be missing at Manchester City on Saturday.

"We have not been given a guideline on when he comes back. He will decide when he is fit to come back.

"He is in good spirits but he has had a huge operation. It does help if the guy who has had the operation is in good spirits.

"The important thing is his health. I know he will come back fitter and stronger for it.

"He is coming in on Friday to see the players for the first time since his surgery and I intend to get him involved in doing a few things, even if it's not on the pitch. We have done that in the past."

Newcastle have had a bad couple of weeks with injuries. As well as De Jong being ruled out, Carver also has to cope without midfielder Cheik Tiote (knee), Paul Dummett (knee) and Cabella has picked up a medial ligament problem on his knee.

"We have had the disappointment of the loss of Dummett, Tiote and De Jong. They're three big players and we have to just deal with it.

"Dummett doesn't need an operation. He is out for between ten and 12 weeks.

"Yannic Bolasie apologised. He was concerned about it. It was a freak accident. If you know Yannic he is one of the nicest guys you will meet. It was nice of him to ring."