Newcastle strikeer Shola Ameobi is a doubt for Saturday’s home encounter with Fulham.
The six-goal striker came off at half-time of Newcastle’s defeat to Blackburn with what the club describe as a “minor hamstring injury”.
Ameobi had been in fine form for the Magpies, but United say he will be assessed ahead of the game with the Cottagers.
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton confirmed the blow and said “Yes, Shola was injured and Nile Ranger had to come on for the second half.
“He’s been in very good form, but we’ll assess that one and see.
“We’ve had two games in three days, and the most important thing is that the players recover and recover well.”
Should Ameobi miss out then Ranger would be the favourite to start against Mark Hughes’ side at St James’ Park, with Peter Lovenkrands also in the frame – while Hughton could also opt to revert to 4-4-1-1 and play Kevin Nolan behind Andy Carroll.
Meanwhile, Cheik Tiote will not pick up a one-game ban despite reaching five yellow cards for the season.
The Ivory Coast star was booked for the fourth time in the Premier League, but his yellow card for FC Twente in the Dutch League will not count.
