Alan Pardew hoping Shola Ameobi makes an early return, Sunderland's Bolo Zenden adds to Steve Bruce’s injury woes
Shola Ameobi could play with protective mask
Alan Pardew, the Newcastle United manager, revealed he was hopeful of having Shola Ameobi fit for the upcoming Premier League clash against Everton. The striker has been the longest serving player for the club, but has been out after he suffered a broken
cheekbone last month. However, the 29-year-old is considering returning for the weekend clash against the Toffees wearing a protective mask.
The mask will allow to Ameobi make an early return while his injury continues to heal and Pardew is excited at the idea of having his striker return for the weekend game. However, the Newcastle manager insisted the player had the final say in whether he
wanted to make an early comeback. Ameobi is set to train with the rest of the squad again and he will decide then whether he feels comfortable playing with the mask.
Pardew revealed Steve Ireland and Ameobi could both return against David Moyes’ side, he said while speaking to reporters, “Shola has trained with the rest of the group for the first time and so has http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stephen-Ireland-c34149, but we'll not make a final decision on
whether they are able to play some part against Everton until Thursday. It is looking good, though, and both have reacted positively in training.”
Pardew said he wanted the striker to be comfortable with the mask and be able to play with confidence. He continued, “Shola has had a week with the mask, just getting used to it. There was no point getting him to wear the mask, ask him to play and he wasn't
comfortable with it. He has to have that confidence it is going to protect him so he can throw himself around as usual.”
Ameobi will not be the first player to play wearing a mask to protect a broken cheekbone, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Terry-c18895 previously played with a protective mask.
Bolo Zenden ruled out of Arsenal clash
Bolo Zenden, the Sunderland midfielder, has been ruled out of the clash against Arsenal when the Black Cats travel to the Emirates Stadium over the weekend. The 34-year-old picked up a calf injury during warm up a few days ago and is not expected to be fully
fit in time for the Premier League clash.
Zenden joins the growing list of injuries at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is already without many key players, including http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-Welbeck-c10233. However, the Black Cats boss said he hoped that Zenden would
not be on the sidelines for long and be fit in time for the fixture against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809.
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