Newcastle boosted by return of strike duo

Newcastle strikers Demba Ba and Demba Cisse could be possible inclusions in the Magpies trip to Blackburn on Wednesday.

Neither were expected to be in manager Alan Pardew’s plans until mid February having been involved in the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, but both have failed to ignite their campaign and defeats by Zambia and Equatorial Guinea mean they will return early.

Having scored 15 of Newcastle’s 32 goals this term, the return of Ba in particular will come as a timely boost for Pardew, whose side capitulated to a 5-2 defeat at Fulham last weekend.

“Blackburn on Wednesday is probably a bit tight, but we might try to get them back for that,” said Pardew.

“They are two great players and you want your best players in your team.”

Former Freidburg striker Cisse took a break from Senegal’s preparations for the Africa cup of nations tournament to sign a deal believed to be around £9million before flying back to Africa.

“We have to understand the federation of Senegal’s wishes, and also our own,” said Pardew. “We will have a conversation as to when and where we can get them back.

“I am guessing they are not too pleased about how it’s gone, so that’s something we will have to focus on when they return.

“On the other hand they are coming back early, so that part of it, I am pleased about.”

Newcastle’s only other participant in the tournament is Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote, who remains involved after his side’s 1-0 win over Sudan in their opening match.

Posted by MarkG on January 30, 2012. Filed under FA Barclays Premiership, Newcastle United. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.