• Premier League

Newcastle eye Aliadiere after Ameobi breaks cheekbone

ESPN staff
February 3, 2011
Shola Ameobi had to be helped off the pitch at Craven Cottage © PA Photos
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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has conceded he may have to delve into the free-transfer market after it was confirmed that Shola Ameobi has broken his cheekbone.

The Magpies, aiming to put the departure of star striker Andy Carroll behind them, suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham on Wednesday and, to add insult to injury, Ameobi was elbowed out of the clash at Craven Cottage.

With the 29-year-old facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Pardew has acknowledged he may need to bolster his strike force. The Newcastle manager is without Xisco and Ryan Donaldson, who are on loan at Deportivo la Coruna and Hartlepool respectively, while Phil Airey is out with a hamstring strain.

Former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere is a viable option, with Pardew desperate to add some players to his depleted squad.

Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "It is a possibility. We have to explore every avenue. The situation is we are short on bodies."

Although he has Nile Ranger, Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands available, with Ameobi expected to miss two months of action Pardew couldn't hide his disappointment. He said: "It is a massive blow. Shola is going to be crucial because we have already lost Andy Carroll. To lose him has put extra pressure on us all. The doctor thinks it might be the fracture of the cheekbone. The injury is going to keep him out for some time.'

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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