Dwight Gayle has been ruled out of Tuesday’s clash between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion, confirms reliable journalist Lee Ryder, who is reporting from Rafa Benitez’s press conference.

Newcastle are looking to replace Brighton at the top of the Sky Bet Championship tomorrow, and will have to do so without top scorer Gayle.

The striker has been ruled out because of a reoccurring hamstring injury, which Gayle initially picked up at Brentford last month, before aggravating it again in last Monday’s victory over Aston Villa.

Gayle was missed on Saturday as Benitez’s side were held to a 2-2 draw with struggling Bristol City, before Brighton overtook the Magpies with a 3-0 victory over Reading.

Aleksandar Mitrovic replaced Gayle at the weekend, and is expected to compete with Daryl Murphy for a place in Bentiez’s starting 11.

Tuesday’s clash with Brighton starts a massive week for Newcastle and their bid for a Premier League return, with Benitez’s side also travelling to Huddersfield Town and Reading in the next seven days.

Newcastle fans… How much did your club miss Gayle on Saturday? Who would you start in place of him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!