Newcastle United in anxious wait over fitness of Shola Ameobi

28 August 2009 12:11
Ameobi, who has five goals to his credit already this season for the undefeated hometown club, has suffered a suspected stress fracture to his right foot and is already rated as a major doubt for Monday's game with Leicester City. The former England Under-21 international sustained the injury in the 4-3 defeat of Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night in the Carling Cup and will undergo tests today to establish just how severe the injury is. 'Shola has a stress injury to the bone in his foot and will be assessed today but he looks very doubtful for Monday night,' Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton said. 'That's a big blow for us because he's had a wonderful start to the season but we will see where we stand today.' Argentine international winger Jonas Gutierrez is also struggling to be fit for the match against Leicester at St James' Park with a hamstring injury he picked up in the game against Huddersfield. 'Jonas, too, is doubtful for Monday,' Hughton added. 'He has a slight hamstring problem and will be assessed today. 'It's always the norm after a game to allow a couple of days for injuries to settle down so we'll have a better idea regarding Shola and Jonas later today. On a brighter note, Hughton is expecting midfielders Joey Barton and Nicky Butt to be passed fit following foot injuries for match with Leicester City who are managed by former Newcastle coach Nigel Pearson. 'Joey will be fine for Monday night, Hughton said. 'He was touch-and-go for the Huddersfield game but we chose not to risk him. 'Nicky had a little bit of a foot problem which meant he had to come off at half-time. He hasn't trained yet but will do over the weekend and we expect him to be fine for Leicester.' Meanwhile, Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster has joined Norwich in a one-month loan deal following a similar arrangement with fellow League One side Bristol Rovers.

Source: Telegraph