Newcastle boosted by return of six for Fulham clash

Friday, December 7, 2012
12:10 PM

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew could have several of his big guns back from injury for Monday night’s Barclays Premier League trip to Fulham.

Pardew, who made nine changes for last night’s 2-0 Europa League defeat in Bordeaux, was expecting full-back David Santon (groin), midfielders Cheick Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa (both hamstring) and Gabriel Obertan (toe) and striker Demba Ba (also hamstring) to train today, while Jonas Gutierrez (knee) is in line to resume on Sunday.

That would leave Steven Taylor (hamstring) and Yohan Cabaye (groin surgery) on the long-term casualty list, but would represent a significant improvement for Pardew, who admitted the 20 players he took to France were the only fit ones he had.

Provisional squad: Krul, Elliot, Harper, Simpson, Santon, Ferguson, Tavernier, Coloccini, Williamson, Perch, Tiote, Anita, Bigirimana, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Marveaux, Sammy Ameobi, Obertan, Ba, Cisse, Shola Ameobi, Ranger.