Eddie Howe does not know if Kieran Trippier will play again this season - but the Newcastle boss insists one player does not make a team.
The £12million January signing has undergone surgery on the broken foot he suffered during Sunday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa and faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
Trippier has been outstanding in the four matches he has played, scoring twice from right back with Newcastle collecting 10 points to climb four clear of the bottom three.
His injury has been met with devastation by supporters, who, like team-mates, have taken an instant shine to the England star.
Howe, whose resurgent side face West Ham at lunchtime, said: 'Kieran had his operation on Thursday and the good news is that went well. We don't know long he will be out for. We hope to have him back before the end of the season but it is a significant injury. It is a big blow for us.
'But no one player makes the team. It is a collective. We have to step up and everyone has to give more. You're always going to lose key players. It's about the response, and I've seen enough to know we're in a good place right now. I'm confident we have enough quality to cover.'
Of Trippier's impact, the head coach added: 'We will miss his leadership skills. He has scored two goals in two games, which were defining moments for us.
'He is an inspirational figure. I knew Kieran when he was younger, and he has changed and developed many facets of his game and personality. I can't compliment him enough on what he has achieved in his career.
'The players here have found him inspirational. But that won't change - he will be around them and supporting them from the training ground.
'He is a positive person. Even after the game he was aware there would be an issue (with the injury), but he was giving off good energy. He didn't take himself off. He is infectious to be around.'
Sweden international Emil Krafth is set for a run in the team with Javier Manquillo sidelined with an ankle problem, although he should return in the coming weeks.