Robert close to Toon return

By Matthew Jones
August 18 2002

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson says French winger Laurent Robert could return to the Magpies line-up in Saturday's trip to Manchester City.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson says French winger Laurent Robert could return to the Magpies line-up in Saturday's trip to Manchester City.

Robert has been back in his native France receiving treatment for a back injury, amidst initial fears that he could miss the entire season.

However, Robson says the player is due to return to St James' Park on Sunday and that he could be in line to feature in the trip to face former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan at Maine Road on 24 August.

Robson said: "Robert is back from France on Sunday. He's about one to two weeks away from playing but he's back with us where we can monitor him and push him if he needs it.

"He's already been running on a treadmill and doing light training and the doctor is very happy with his progress.

"He could be ready (for Manchester City). That might be one game too early for him, but we don't know."

News of Robert's imminent return to action will come as a major boost to the Magpies, whose midfield looks considerable lop-sided when the influential £9.5m former Paris Saint-Germain star is absent.