The 30-year-old midfielder shattered his ankle in the Tyne-Wear derby back in January after a late tackle by Kieran Richardson, and it added to his catalogue of injuries in recent years.
Some suggest Mike Ashley wants to get the former Leeds striker off the wage bill ... but if he doesn't play in the last three games of our season ... who will take a risk on a player wanting £60,000 per week?
Alan Pardew insists Smith remains a key member of the Magpies' squad ... but he would wouldn't he.
Assistant boss John Carver: "During his injury Alan has played a big part off the field for us.
"Just because a player is injured it doesn't mean they don't have a part to play, and Alan has been an excellent example of that."
Smith's agent, Alex Black: "Alan has been running with Simon Tweddle at the training ground. He's doing well.
"There's a slight chance he could play again this season but it could well be next season when we see him back."
