Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Smith adds to Magpies woes

19 Sep 2008 - 10:55:07

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Newcastle United will be without Alan Smith for three months after the forward discovered that he requires surgery on a foot injury.

Smith, 27, is likely to be sidelined until the new year following an operation to repair a stress fracture.

The former Leeds United star has struggled to establish himself in the first team at St James' Park following his £6million arrival from Manchester United in August 2007.

The 19-times capped England international has not made an appearance for the Magpies this season.

"Alan Smith will have an operation which could keep him out for about three months," revealed caretaker manager Chris Hughton.

Meanwhile, Damien Duff has been passed fit for Saturday's trip to West Ham, but Obafemi Martins is a major injury doubt.

"Damien has had a good week," Hughton told the club's official website. "He has trained well and is fit to be included in the squad for West Ham.

"Oba has only returned today (Friday), so we will have to assess him tomorrow."