OUT OF ACTION: Ameobi, LuaLua, Bellamy - Crisis!
By Matthew Jones
December 21 2003
Newcastle United are facing a striker crisis after Shola Ameobi suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone at Charlton yesterday. Craig Bellamy is out of action following a recent knee operation, and Lomana LuaLua is set to fly off to the African Nations Cup next month.
STRIKER CRISIS
Ameobi was elbowed by Addicks defender Hermann Hreidarsson, during the 0-0 draw at The Valley and was taken to hospital last night.
Sir Bobby Robson said: "It looks gloomy for young Shola.
"We think he's got a fractured cheekbone. He's got an indentation and has gone off for an X-ray."
The England Under-21 international is likely to be out until mid-February. Craig Bellamy is sidelined until a similer time, and Lomana LuaLua is set to fly off to the African Nations Cup next month - Robson faces a crisis.
Michael Chopra is Robson's is only other senior striker apart from Alan Shearer. Robson will have to bring in new faces upfront during the January transfer window. Barcelona's Patrick Kluivert and Leeds United's Alan Smith have been linked.
Perhaps significantly, Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd - who has never given up hope of doing a deal for Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert - has been in Europe on business in recent days.
Newcastle United are facing a striker crisis after Shola Ameobi suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone at Charlton yesterday.