But former Republic of Ireland full-back Chris Hughton, who is standing in as caretaker boss at the Magpies feels the former Balckburn and Chelsea winger will be available for Saturday's game to against West Ham.
He said
"Duffers is making good progress and we will be disappointed if we don't have him with us at West Ham. We're hopeful of having [Obafemi] Martins and Damien back. They would be the closest [to fitness], and we are not expecting Alan Smith or Mark Viduka back."
THe news will delight Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni with the World Cup qualifier against Cyprus only over 3 weeks away.