Source: SKY_Sports
Enrique set to boost Magpies
Jose Enrique is on course to return to the Newcastle United team to face Portsmouth, but Steven Taylor and Joey Barton remain doubtful.[LNB] Spanish full-back Enrique has missed the last two games against Stoke and Tottenham after twisting his knee in training earlier this month.[LNB]He is due to return to training before the weekend and could be involved in Monday night's crucial clash with Pompey at St James' Park.[LNB]"We're hopeful on Jose," Magpies boss Alan Shearer told the club's official website.[LNB]"He's should be back in full training by the end of the week and that will give him a chance for Monday."[LNB]Not giving upHowever, defender Taylor and midfielder Barton are both facing a battle to prove their fitness ahead of Portsmouth's visit.[LNB]Taylor suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury in last week's defeat at Tottenham, while Barton has not played since the end of January due to a broken metatarsal.[LNB]Shearer added: "Joey Barton has not returned to full training yet, but should do over the weekend.[LNB]"He is doubtful for the game as is Steven Taylor. But we're not giving up hope on anyone."[LNB]Shearer also allayed fears that striker Obafemi Martins could require an operation on his troublesome groin injury.[LNB]The Magpies boss insists the Nigeria international is fit, but concedes that he, and fellow forward Mark Viduka, require regular monitoring. [LNB]When asked about Martins, Shearer told Sky Sports News on Thursday: "He has done well in training. They had a day off yesterday and are back in today. Both he and Mark Viduka are fit.[LNB]"It is a case of monitoring them. But at the minute, we are hopeful."[LNB]
