Babayaro blow for Magpies

Glenn Roeder has confirmed that Celestine Babayaro will be out for up to three weeks.

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has confirmed that left back Celestine Babayaro will be sidelined for up to three weeks due to a groin injury.

The Nigerian international picked up the problem in the penalty win over Watford in the Carling Cup, and subsequently missed the weekend's Premiership tie against Manchester City.

The Magpies have now revealed that Babayaro is expected to be out for a further two or three weeks, meaning he could miss up to five games including the Uefa Cup fixtures with Celta Vigo and Eintracht Frankfurt.

"Celestine suffered the groin injury during extra time in the Carling Cup game at Watford," said Roeder.

"It prevented him playing against Manchester City last Saturday and we're going to have to do without him for the next two or three weeks.

"He's done very well for me and been a consistent performer when he's played, so this is unfortunate for us."

The Magpies have also suffered another injury blow with young midfielder Matty Pattison being forced to withdraw from the South Africa squad to face Egypt.

The Johannesburg-born 20-year-old had been called into the Bafana Bafana squad for the first time for the game at Griffin Park, but a knee problem has prevented him from making his international bow.