CISSE INJURY ROCKS MAGS
PAPISS Cisse has given Newcastle United an injury scare – five weeks after returning from a six- month absence,
Cisse is doubtful for tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Tottenham with a “slight” knee problem.
The striker – who fractured his kneecap in April – was today being assessed ahead of the game at White Hart Lane, along with Cheik Tiote, Emmanuel Riviere and Mike Williamson, who all sat out last weekend’s first win of the season against Leicester.
“We are sweating a little bit on a few of them, but I am not ruling anyone out or in at this stage,” said manager Alan Pardew.
“But the mood in training has been much stronger this week. Our resolve has grown, and hopefully our confidence too as a team.”
Cisse has scored four goals since making his comeback, and Newcastle struggled up front in his absence.
Pardew, however, insists the problem which has seen him miss training this week is NOT related to his previous injury.
“Cisse has not trained since the last game,” said Pardew. “He has a slight problem with his knee. We don’t think it’s anything major. Nothing to do with his previous injury.”
Pardew is adamant that the Magpies are not gripped by an injury “crisis”, despite a growing number of absentees.
“We have not got a crisis, but we have one or two we are kind of waiting for,” said Pardew.
“Riviere, is he going to be available? Papiss? Cheik Tiote?
“But we have got players in the group to cope if they don’t make it.”
Ryan Taylor is in the squad for the Tottenham game.
The 30- year- old has made a full recovery after twice rupturing his cruciate ligament. “That’s the story to come out of our training ground this week,” said Pardew.
Meanwhile, teenage winger Rolando Aarons is closing in on a comeback.
The 18- year- old suffered a hamstring injury last month after making an explosive first- team breakthrough. “He is not in the squad but he is pretty close,” said Pardew. “We think he’ll train on Monday.”