Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle striker Andy Carroll faces spell on the sidelines
Newcastle United fear Andy Carroll faces a spell on the sidelines with a thigh strain threatening to rule him out for the start of the New Year. [LNB]The England striker travelled to London today with club medics for tests on the injury aggravated following the defeat at Tottenham.[LNB]Carroll, who has scored six Barclays Premier League goals in the last nine games, has struggled with various injuries throughout the season and he was doubtful for his international debut against France because of a groin strain.[LNB] Down and out: Newcastle look set to miss injured striker Andy Carroll due to a thigh injury[LNB]But the thigh injury is a new ailment and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has ruled him out of the New Year's Day trip to Wigan and fears he is a doubt for the midweek meeting against the new manager's former club West Ham. [LNB]Newcastle will also have their eye on the return leg of the Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light in a fortnight.[LNB]The injury could also force Pardew into the transfer market in January as he looks to strengthen the squad he inherited from Chris Hughton. [LNB] Up and running: Newcastle hope to have Carroll back in action as soon as possible[LNB]He has limited cover for Carroll. Shola Ameobi is also out, Leon Best is recovering from a long-term injury, Peter Lovenkrands has made just two league starts and scored once from a total of six appearance, leaving just Nile Ranger to lead the line in Carroll's absence, and make his first Premier League start. [LNB]Ranger has just signed a new five-year deal but has yet to score a top flight goal.[LNB] Newcastle push ahead with deal for crocked Ben Arfa to fend off LiverpoolNewcastle to offer Leon Best as bait to secure Leeds midfielder Max GradelNEWCASTLE UNITED FC
