Dean Ashton could be out of action for several months after it was revealed that he broke an ankle whilst training with England earlier today.
The grim diagnosis was given this afternoon after Ashton was rushed to hospital after sustaining the injury during a training session at England's HQ.Depending upon the severity of the injury, Ashton could be out for as long as SIX months - meaning he may not kick a ball again until 2007.
Typical recovery times for a broken ankle range from 3-6 months, which means that he is unlikely to play again before November at the earliest.
The news comes as a massive blow to Alan Pardew and his squad who are preparing to face Charlton in their opening Premiership fixture this weekend.
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