Do We Need More Problems?

22 February 2012 09:33
Papiss Cisse has already spent six weeks at the African Cup of Nations ... and does he seriously have to miss the Tyne-Wear derby because of a FRIENDLY?

Demba Ba, who has also been involved in the Nations Cup, has been spared the 12,000-mile round trip ... because he has a history of knee trouble(?).

Newcastle United’s new No 9 could miss playing against Sunderland.

The Lions of Teranga play South Africa in a friendly in Durban on Wednesday.

Cisse will fly back to England on the Thursday to prepare for Sunday’s derby, the first at St James’ Park since the 5-1 win of 2010.

Manager Alan Pardew will have to decide if Cisse is in a fit state to start after such a draining long-haul flight.

Yohan Cabaye (France), Tamas Kadar (Hungary) and Davide Santon (Italy Under-21s) have also been selected by their countries, while Shane Ferguson is set to play for Northern Ireland for the first time for nearly three years after being named in the squad for a friendly in Norway.

 

Source: FOOTYMAD