Newcastle United striker Peter Lovenkrands could miss the rest of the season through injury.

The Dane, who made a substitute appearance in last weekend's draw with Sunderland, has picked up a serious thigh problem.

The news means that the 32-year-old could have played his last game for the Magpies as he is out of contract in the summer.

"We have got a bad injury this week - Peter Lovenkrands has really hurt his thigh," said manager Alan Pardew.

"We are not sure yet, but he's definitely torn it and he might have ruptured it, so we think that's him for the season, actually, which is a very big blow for him with his contract up and everything."

Lovenkrands moved to Newcastle in September 2009 after being released by Bundesliga side Schalke.