Woodgate, who signed for £9m from Leeds seems certain to miss the Christmas fixture schedule following Newcastle's 4-0 win over Tottenham - in which he tore a hamstring in the first half.

Titus Bramble faces suspension next weekend, so Caldwell is in line to start Saturday's game at Charlton, despite again asking to move out on loan.

Three First Division clubs are known to be interested in speaking to the Scottish international - but Robson will block any move until after the New Year.

Speaking about the latest injury blow to Woodgate, Robson said: "It had just gone right for Jonathan. The first half hour on Saturday was the best he's played for us since his injury.

"He's been out for two months and he looked a really great centre-half again - we knew that was just a matter of time.

"Then this happens. I don't know how long he will be out. He'll have a scan Monday and that will tell us if it's a grade one, two or three tear. When we know that then we'll know how long he'll be out.

"It's a blow for us. With Titus Bramble not available through suspension we've lost both centre-halves for next week.

"They both played on Saturday and they both did so well for us."

Caldwell and Andy O'Brien are now Robson's only two recognised centre-backs (with first-team experience this season) available next weekend.

Transfer listed Greek international Nikos Dabizas could make a comeback OR Aaron Hughes could be moved back into central defence.

Caldwell recently said: "It is no secret that I have been wanting to leave for the last few months but I will just have to wait and see what happens in the future. Hopefully I can get away soon - or maybe the manager will have a change of heart and play me.

"That's the ideal scenario. But I want to play for Newcastle and get picked for Scotland. One won't happen without the other."