Newcastle's Gabriel Obertan leaves match vs. Liverpool with apparent thigh injury

Newcastle could be without one of the players largely responsible for their recent surge for an extended period of time.

Newcastle winger Gabriel Obertan was in a footrace with Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren during Saturday's match at St. James' Park when he pulled up and immediately crumpled to the pitch, reaching for his right thigh.

It's a common sight, and one that almost always signifies a serious muscle injury. The fact that the 25-year-old Frenchman needed to be stretchered into the locker room didn't help to alleviate any of those concerns.

He was replaced by 18-year-old Rolando Aarons.

Obertan was finally enjoying a nice spell of action, making five consecutive Premier League  starts for the first time in three seasons.