Fabricio Coloccini blow as Newcastle captain ruled out for TWO games

The club's captain will sit out tomorrow's game against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium and Saturday's home game against Bournemouth.

Head coach Steve McClaren said: "It's a bit of a calf strain. He's getting closer, but certainly the next two (out)."

Coloccini's defensive colleague Chancel Mbemba (ankle) will also miss this week's games.

Relegation-threatened Newcastle are 18th in the Premier League and level on points with Norwich City above them.

United were beaten 5-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their last match.