Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote has been ruled out of his side's match against Chelsea on Saturday through injury.
The 25-year-old, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, is taking longer to recover than expected.
"Cheik won't be involved on Saturday, and I'm not going to say he'll play a week later," said manager Alan Pardew.
"We've got to make sure he's right - he's a very important player for us."
The Magpies go into the match at the Sports Direct Arena fourth in the Premier League table, one place above their opponents.
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
