New injury blow for Dyer

A six-week lay-off awaits the England hopeful who has only just returned from 10 months on the sidelines through a persistent shin problem.

The news is a major blow for The Magpies' title aspirations and for the player himself who is eyeing a place in Sven Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad.

"The early diagnosis has suggested that Kieron may have a stress fracture of his left foot," said a Newcastle spokesman.

"But until further tests, the results of which will not be known until next week, it is not possible for our medical staff to confirm the precise nature of the injury.

"However, if the injury is confirmed, Dyer is likely to be sidelined for up to six weeks."

Coach Bobby Robson cursed Dyer's "cruel luck" with injuries but insisted England coach Eriksson should not give up hope on the speedy ace.

"It is a big blow for us and it is cruel luck for him," stated Robson. "Kieron is a great player and I would have in my England team, but I don't pick it any more. 

"He is too clever to leave out. He is quick, he sees the pass and he goes past people with or without the ball.

"If he plays again in six weeks, that will be early March. As long as he doesn't then break down again, he can play the rest of March and all of April and he will be as fresh as a daisy - he'll be the freshest man at the World Cup.

"I wouldn't rule him out yet. I would hang in there for him if I was Sven and just see how he goes."

Meanwhile, Welsh midfielder Gary Speed could return to action against Bolton on Saturday after recovering from a broken toe.

"I definitely have a chance in Saturday's game," said Speed.

"I will get my boots on, have a bash at training and see what happens. But I'm quite hopeful of making it against Bolton."