-zuco-
19-02-2008, 02:50 PM
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is running out of time in his race to be fit for the visit of Manchester United to St. James' Park
Martins still hasn't trained since injuring his ankle playing for Nigeria in the African Nations Cup.
Kevin Keegan is likely to rule him out of the squad unless he recovers by Thursday.
Keegan said, "Oba's looking doubtful for Saturday, if I'm honest, but I wouldn't rule him out yet."
Another worry for Newcastle is the fitness of Shay Given, who left the field against Aston Villa after conceding a second goal, partly due to his injury.
keegan is more upbeat on this one, however, knowing that he has Steve Harper to fall back on if needed.
"Shay still has a chance, and we'll know more later in the week.
"Shay still thinks he has a chance of being fit. If not, Harps is ready. We're in safe hands either way.
"As clubs go, we have two of the best keepers in the Premier League if you take them as a pair.
"We'll have to see. Shay's saying all the right things, and thinks he has a chance, but Thursday will be the day when we decide that I think."
With Geremi only returning to training yesterday, it looks as though Manchester United may face a patched up team on Saturday.
Martins still hasn't trained since injuring his ankle playing for Nigeria in the African Nations Cup.
Kevin Keegan is likely to rule him out of the squad unless he recovers by Thursday.
Keegan said, "Oba's looking doubtful for Saturday, if I'm honest, but I wouldn't rule him out yet."
Another worry for Newcastle is the fitness of Shay Given, who left the field against Aston Villa after conceding a second goal, partly due to his injury.
keegan is more upbeat on this one, however, knowing that he has Steve Harper to fall back on if needed.
"Shay still has a chance, and we'll know more later in the week.
"Shay still thinks he has a chance of being fit. If not, Harps is ready. We're in safe hands either way.
"As clubs go, we have two of the best keepers in the Premier League if you take them as a pair.
"We'll have to see. Shay's saying all the right things, and thinks he has a chance, but Thursday will be the day when we decide that I think."
With Geremi only returning to training yesterday, it looks as though Manchester United may face a patched up team on Saturday.