ROBSON: Solano Set for Sideline Spell

By Matthew Jones
August 28 2003

Nolberto Solano faces several weeks on the sidelines with a groin strain, after hobbling off late in the second half of extra-time in Wednesday night's Champions League qualifier against Partizan Belgrade at St James' Park.

Nobby was clearly struggling with the injury after he was named as one of The Magpies' better players on the night.

Robson regretted not having Solano available to take a spot-kick, and said: "Nobby's done his groin and was clearly struggling so he had to come off,.

"Aaron Hughes was also struggling with cramp and Jonathan Woodgate with his fitness but Nobby's injury meant they had to stay on.

"It was a big shame because it meant two of our best penalty takers - Nobby and Gary Speed - were unavailable for the shoot-out."

Solano's injury may force him to pull out of Peru's South American World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Chile next week. I am sure he will be gutted at hearing that news :)