• Premier League

Newcastle positive of swift Haidara return

ESPN staff
March 22, 2013
Callum McManaman escaped a ban after his challenge on Massadio Haidara

Newcastle United have announced that defender Massadio Haidara has not suffered "any significant bone or ligament damage" following the challenge that saw him stretchered off in the defeat to Wigan.

Haidara said he had feared for his career following Callum McManaman's tackle in the 2-1 defeat at the DW Stadium, but the club believes he could be back in April following his latest scan.

Newcastle said in a statement: "We can confirm that results of the latest scan on Massadio Haidara show that the player has very fortunately escaped any significant bone or ligament damage following the dangerous tackle by Wigan Athletic's Callum McManaman on Sunday. We are very pleased that the extent of his injury is less severe than first feared and is limited to bruising to the bone and soft tissue damage.

"Depending on the speed of his recovery he should be fit to play again in early April. Massadio will continue to be assessed over the coming days. He has been very lucky that he has not suffered more serious injury and this positive diagnosis in no way lessens the Club's views with regard to the severity of the tackle from which it resulted."

McManaman escaped punishment for the tackle as it was seen by a match official, meaning the Football Association could not take retrospective action.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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