Source: Daily_Mail
Leon Best blow for Newcastle but Joey Barton and Jose Enrique should be fit to face Stoke
Newcastle striker Leon Best is out of Sunday's trip to Stoke. But influential duo Joey Barton and Jose Enrique are fit for the clash at the Britannia Stadium.[LNB] Republic of Ireland international Best suffered a foot injury during the final training session on Tyneside.[LNB] Injury blow: Leon Best has been ruled out of Styoke trip[LNB] The practice match was ironically the final chance for Barton and Enrique to prove their fitness for the Stoke game. The pair, who have been absent with thigh and hamstring injuries respectively, have travelled to the Potteries.[LNB] But Best, who limped out of Newcastle's last game against Everton with a dead leg, was not on the team bus.[LNB] [LNB]Back in training: Joey Barton[LNB]The striker, who has scored six goals - check - since the turn of the year will be replaced by Shola Ameobi who plays with a face mask to protect a broken cheekbone and partners Peter Lovenkrands.[LNB] As well as missing this vital Barclays Premier League game, it will leave him doubtful for Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifier at home to Macedonia. [LNB] Best, who missed last month's friendly win over Wales, was challenging Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle for a start at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday. He will also be doubtful for the friendly againstUruguay as Newcastle assess his latest injury.[LNB] Newcastle managerAlan Pardew will welcome back Barton and Enrique, providing the pair suffer no fresh reaction before the game.[LNB] Pardew has decided to go with three centre-backs at Stoke to cope with their arrival threat.[LNB] But the big surprise is that veteran Sol Campbell looks certain to make his first start since Pardew replaced Chris Hughton.[LNB]The former England international is preferred to Steven Taylor who had adifficult return to the side a fortnight ago when he played at right-back against Everton and rampant midfielder Mikel Arteta. [LNB] Stoke are just like Wimbledon... but that's a compliment, says PardewSTOKE v Newcastle: Carew ruled out of Magpies clashAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Kevin Doyle, Chris Hughton, Sol Campbell, Robbie Keane, Steven Taylor, Joey Barton, Leon Best Places: Newcastle, Republic of Ireland, Macedonia, United Kingdom, Wales, Ireland
