Fulham Skipper To Face Toon

Last updated : 08 December 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

The Norway international has been suspended for the past three matches after being sent off against Sunderland and is likely to return in defence, while Alex Kacaniklic is back after a hamstring injury.

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Bryan Ruiz faces a further month on the sidelines with a hamstring complaint of his own, while right-back Sascha Riether has to overcome a minor knee sprain if he is to feature at Craven Cottage.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew could have several of his big guns back from injury.

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.

Teams:

Fulham (from): Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Etheridge, Riether, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Senderos, Riise, Sidwell, Dejagah, Diarra, Baird, Karagounis, Kacaniklic, Richardson, Kasami, Duff, Rodallega, Petric, Berbatov.

Newcastle (from): 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.