PAP NEWS FOR TOON AS CISSE GETS PULLED
NEWCASTLE ace Papiss Cisse has been withdrawn from the Senegal squad for tonight’s friendly with South Africa.
The 26-year-old striker left the pitch with a groin injury during the Magpies’ 2-2 draw with Wolves on Saturday.
A Newcastle spokesman said: “After being assessed by the club’s medical staff, Cisse will not take part in Senegal’s friendly.”
Toon boss Alan Pardew will be keeping his fingers crossed that his big-money January signing will recover in time for Sunday’s derby clash with Sunderland.
Cisse has made three appearances for the Magpies after returning from the African Nations Cup and has scored in each of his two home games, including the draw with Wolves.
Pardew is hopeful that his partnership with compatriot Demba Ba, who has 16 goals to his name so far this season, will help Newcastle maintain their challenge for a top-six Premier League finish.
But while three precious points are at stake this weekend, there is also local pride to play for as the men from Tyneside attempt to complete a league double over their arch rivals.
Newcastle won the corresponding fixture 5-1 last season, and inflicted a 1-0 defeat on the Black Cats when the two sides met in August.