Robert sidelined but Dyer and Nikos are fit

By Peter Donnelly
November 8 2002

Laurent Robert's worst fears were confirmed on Friday morning when a scan revealed he has fractured his cheekbone. However, both Kieron Dyer and Nikos Dabizas have recovered from injuries.

At the most Laurent Robert will be out of action for a month, but this will give Hugo Viana his chance to shine.

It was a clash with Everton's David Weir in the recent Worthington Cup game that caused the blow and it is thought Weir deliberatly elbowed the 27 year-old.

Kieron Dyer was also injured against Everton, feeling immense cramp during and after the match. But on Friday the midfielder's cramp reduced dramatically and he is fit to play against Arsenal on Saturday.

Centre-back Nikos Dabizas picked up a leg injury against Everton too but like Dyer he's quickly recovered for the weekend match.

With Jermaine Jenas in such good form for Newcastle recently Dyer is likely to partner Alan Shearer in attack. Gary Speed will return to parnter JJ in the centre of midfield with Hugo Viana filling in Robert's left-wing position.

In defence Dabizas will partner either Andy O'Brien or Aaron Hughes. Olivier Bernard will play at left-back.