[Newcastle United](https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com) midfielder Jamie Miley has endured another setback during his loan spell at League Two side Newport County, missing the last three matches due to recurring back spasms and thus halting his progress away from Tyneside as he aims to blossom into a bonafide contributing Magpie in the future.
It’s fair to say that the 20-year-old’s time in South Wales has been marred by injuries, limiting his involvement since joining on loan this past summer and allowing him to appear in just a handful of games through November.
Miley’s challenges began shortly after his move, as he was sidelined for six weeks following hernia surgery just days after making his debut in an EFL Trophy clash against Cheltenham Town.
After recovering and returning to action in late October, the young midfielder featured in four consecutive matches, including his league debut.
This latest setback due to back spasms has added to the frustration of both the player and the NUFC brass who sees how their plans for developing Miley away from Tyneside are not quite working for anybody.
Miley has now missed games to 13 since arriving at Newport, and the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain, with the injury further disrupting a loan spell that was intended to provide valuable first-team experience he would not find in Newcastle.
The Magpies will continue to monitor Miley’s situation closely and are not expected to call him back mostly because of a lack of room for him in NUFC’s lineup. The hope is the midfielder can recover fully and regain his form in the second half of the season, which he is still expected to complete at Newport.
Truth be told, the youngster has shown glimpses of promise on the pitch but the endless string of injuries might put an early end to his development and limit his upside down the road if he cannot remain healthy and available loading up on on-pitch minutes instead of sitting on the sidelines.