Papiss Cisse has shocked the Newcastle coaching staff by being fit enough for selection as early as next week, amid fears he may have been on the sidelines for up to 3 months. Mail Online have reported that The Senagalese star has stunned boss Steve McClaren, however he will not be considered for the FA Cup tie at Watford. The Toon striker has not appeared in a Newcastle shirt since the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at St James’ Park on November 19th. Cisse could be back in training next week and is well in contention for a place in the Barclays Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and West Ham.
In today’s press conference McClaren said;
As long as he keeps running he could be back in training next week
On medical advice we are letting him rehabilitate. There may come a point where he breaks down or he comes right the way through and he is fit, it is that kind of injury.
He is progressing well and he is on course to join us midweek, hopefully we will see him soon.
McClaren has stated that he will name a strong side, which is contrary to the past few seasons for Newcastle. Some exiting news is that long term absentee Rolando Aarons could make a welcome return to the side.
I think we have one or two players who have niggles and it is a big risk so we have to decide whether to play them or not, what the risk is in terms of them in a few days we will assess. Tomorrow will be the strongest team we will be able to put out without taking risk.
McClaren went on and answered the speculation over potential transfers;
I haven’t got a clue. Nothing has happened. We can’t disclose that, that’s private. If anything does happen, you can name all the names you would like, but it’s private. We will do our business and do it privately.
We don’t want expectations too high, it is part of theatre, media frenzy to put names out there and we will go about our business as normal. It’s January we are looking at everything to see what kind of business we can or can’t do. We need to go forward and discussions are ongoing behind closed doors.
Jamaal Lascelles could also return soon while Jack Colback will be missing after picking up a knock at the Emirates last Saturday.
