INJURY UPDATE: Butt and Boumsong

By Matthew Jones
February 1 2005

Despite fears that his season was over due to a hamstring injury, midfielder Nicky Butt is expected to be in the squad for Wednesday's clash with Manchester City - having missed the Magpies' last 13 games.

Jean-Alain Boumsong will also be back in action sooner than first expected.

There was fears that Nicky Butt would need an operation, but his injury has cleared up and he will be available for selection midweek - although this leaves Toon boss Graeme Souness with a small problem. Does he bring Butt straight back in? Or does he leave the squad as it was against Coventry at the weekend?

SOUNESS: "Nicky's return gives us a big boost, though I haven't yet decided what to do with my team.

"The lads in midfield did well against Coventry on Saturday, so I'll have a think about it."

Another player due to return to action shortly, is new-signing, Jean-Alain Boumsong, who limped off the field in Newcastle's defeat at Arsenal.

A hamstring tear was feared, which could have put the defender out of action for over six weeks, but recent scans show a strain, and not a tear.

SOUNESS ADDED: "Jean Alain Boumsong's hamstring injury isn't as bad as we first feared, either, which is good news."