Official Injury Update

[Nobby]

GR's Official Fitness Update

GLENN Roeder was happy to see Kieron Dyer, Scott Parker, Emre, Antoine Sibierski and Damien Duff back out on the training pitch on Friday ahead of the visit of Watford to St. James' Park this weekend.

 

But there was also some bad news for the Newcastle United boss as he confirmed Charles N'Zogbia is unlikely to play again until after Christmas after suffering a knee injury at Chelsea in midweek.

 

Skipper Parker (back), Dyer (gashed leg), Emre (ankle), Sibierksi (achilles) and Duff (knee) have all been among the lengthy list of casualties at various stages for the Magpies in recent weeks, but the sight of those players being put through their paces by the coaching staff on Friday morning was a welcome one for the manager.

 

The gaffer refused to give away too many secrets ahead of hosting the Hornets at Gallowgate, but did say: "They all trained on Friday and they are all in the squad, which is good news.

 

"We have got a lot of strength in those areas of the squad, but defensively it's very hard for us just now. We have Titus (Bramble) and Craig (Moore) maybe out for another month or so, plus Stephen Carr and Nobby Solano, who has done very well at right-back for us, still missing.

 

"But the very fact the other five were out there training means they are fit. Some are fitter than others in terms of match fitness, some will be starters, some may be non-starters but will make the bench because they have had a few days' training."

 

Giving an update on N'Zogbia, Glenn added: "Charles has some ligament damage but it will be the middle of next week when we know more in terms of his recovery time.

 

"But I am looking at him being out for a few weeks, ruling him out this side of Christmas. It's a real blow for us and the boy.

 

"The good news as far as Charles is concerned is that he won't need an operation. It's just a case of rehab with the physio and then building him back up to full fitness."

 

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