Bramble set for six-week lay-off

Defensive crisis
The 23-year-old centre-half was forced to limp out of Newcastle's FA Cup quarter-final victory against Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday with a groin injury. He joins Andy O'Brien, Robbie Elliott and Steven Taylor on a growing defensive injury list.

'Big blow'
"Titus will need an operation now, it is a big blow because he has been outstanding for us," said Newcastle manager Graeme Souness. "He's a young man, so if he heals quickly he could be back in four weeks. If slower, then six weeks."