The initial plan was for Salia to link up with the under-21s squad with a view to going out on loan but his injury prevented that in the summer and is set to in January too.

United under-21s lead coach Adam Lawrence provided an update on Salia earlier this week, in which he revealed the forward would be sidelined until January.

Lawrence said: “He is making good progress. Everyone was devastated that he has come into the club and got the injury he picked up.

“I’ve not seen him on the pitch but he’s an outstanding young man around the training ground with how he conducts himself. I’m sure in his mind it’s been really tough for him but he hasn’t shown that. He’s stayed really positive.

“The medical and sports science team are looking towards the back end of December and into January for when he can start training with the group and building those levels of fitness – but we are taking it week-by-week.

“Without getting too carried away, he is on course and making good progress with his rehab and he has been really diligent in that way.”

Vakhtang Salia on joining Newcastle United

Newcastle fought off competition from several clubs, including Arsenal, to sign Salia. Prior to joining the Magpies, Salia made 57 senior appearances for Tbilisi, scoring eight goals.

“I have been to the academy, training ground and the stadium – it is amazing,” Salia said after joining Newcastle. “It is my dream to play there, I think it is everyone’s dream to play there!

“When I heard Newcastle were interested me, motivation comes naturally. First time I heard I couldn’t believe it because it was big news for me.

“I think I have to work more to come here. To come into Europe after Georgia, it will be really difficult, I have to exercise and work more. It is a big challenge for me. I have this motivation to play outside of Georgia. It is a move every professional player has to make to follow their teams.”

What Eddie Howe has said about Vakhtang Salia

After agreeing to sign for Newcastle, Salia and his representatives visited Tyneside in January. It was during that visit that the youngster first held talks with head coach Eddie Howe.

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Asked about his discussion with Salia, Howe told NewcastleWorld: “Yeah I managed to have a good conversation with him, his family and representatives. It seemed like a really good lad with a great attitude and hungry to learn. His next step is slightly unclear but he is certainly a talented young player. “