But he is up and running in his comeback – and bang on course for a St James's Park return - and THIS time the fans are delighted to have him back.
Ameobi made an explosive start to the season before picked up a foot injury during the Huddersfield Town Carling Cup tie in August.
Chris Hughton: "Shola's a player who was making a positive and big impact on the team when he was injured.
"And now he's beginning to near a return, he can make a big impact again.
"When he was injured he was playing very well, and that was underlined by him winning the player of the month (for August) in the division.
"He's great to have around, not only because of his goalscoring, but also his presence and experience.
"We're looking forward to welcoming him back, and I'm sure he can't wait to be involved again.
"He's up and running again. We're monitoring him on a daily basis, and it's so far so good.
"I've said that Shola's expected to be fit by the end of the month, so (the break) gives us a bit more time, and brings him that little bit closer, with one game less.
"The one thing I have said is that Shola's expected to be fit by the end of the month, so it gives us a bit more time and brings him that little bit closer, with one game less."