Newcastle United Blog.

Due back at the end of the month

Chris Hughton reckons Shola Ameobi should be back in contention by the end of the month, which could mean the game at home to Swansea on 28th November or the following game, at home to Watford on 4th December.

After scoring 5 goals in 5 games at the start of the season, Shola has been sidelined with a foot injury, but Hughton said:

“We’re very much looking forward to Shola Ameobi hopefully coming back towards the end of the month.

“That’ll give us a big boost.”

It’ll be interesting to see what becomes Hughton’s first choice strike force when Shola’s fit. I’m presuming Ameobi will be the first name on the list and I would guess Carroll will partner him.

Meanwhile, Hughton is ‘hopeful’ that Steven Taylor will be sufficiently recovered from his hamstring injury to play in Saturday’s game against Peterborough. Hughton said:

“Steven’s back in contention.

“He trained last week, and has been doing so again this week. He missed Sheffield United, but we hope he’ll be back against Peterborough.”

Finally, Kazenga LuaLua has sufficiently recovered from a groin injury to be back in contention for a place on the bench at least. LuaLua scored for the reserves in a friendly against Middlesbrough and Hughton said:

“He comes back into our thinking.

“He’s had a little bit of a mixed period over the last month or so – more so with injury – but one thing you know is Kazenga can turn a game because he’s an explosive player.

“He can score goals, but he’s still developing, he’s still a young lad and he’s part of a group of young lads who have done well here.”

All good news for a change.