---
title: "Tiote could be handed chance against Arsenal"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2015/12/31/tiote-handed-chance-arsenal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Evin Grant"
section: "Newcastle United News"
published: "2015-12-31T02:27:55Z"
modified: "2015-12-31T02:27:55Z"
---

# Tiote could be handed chance against Arsenal

Due to the hamstring injury picked up by Newcastle midfielder Vurnon Anita a few days ago, out-of-form anchorman Cheick Tiote could return to United’s starting eleven this weekend.

According to [the Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-cheick-tiote-could-10668680?), Steve McClaren will more than likely hand the Ivorian midfielder a chance to impress when the Magpies travel to the Emirates on Saturday.

![Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2015/12/4961144201.jpg)

Newcastle reportedly turned down a summer bid from Turkish giants Galatasaray for Tiote, and Steve McClaren wants the 29-year-old to remain on Tyneside.

In McClaren’s pre-match press conference this week, the former England manager said he is “paddling like mad” to keep the Toon’s ship on a steady track.

![Clive Rose/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2015/12/4990447121.jpg)

Speaking to [the Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-cheick-tiote-could-10668680?), McClaren said:

“Believe me, under the surface, I am paddling like mad.”

“But we have a little bit more information than everyone else. We know what we have got and what we are trying to do.”

> We feel as if we are getting there after a tough start.

“That is the first half of the season gone. 2015 is about to end – good! We cannot wait for the next year.”