Bellamy blow for Newcastle

Newcastle United FC striker Craig Bellamy could be sidelined for several weeks after results of a second scan on a knee confirmed that he is suffering from a tear and tendinitis.

Indefinite lay-off
It is a less serious version of the same knee injury that threatened to end the career of Newcastle strike-partner Alan Shearer. Manager Bobby Robson does not yet know how long his €9.8m summer signing will be out, but insisted that Bellamy will be rested now rather than risking further injury.

'It can't be rushed'
He said: "It's a crucial blow to us. We don't know how long Craig will be out, but we could be talking about several weeks. It depends on how he heals. He's had ice on his knee and he looked better today. He just needs rest. It can't be rushed."

Crucial period
Bellamy's injury has come at a bad time for Robson, whose side play title rivals Arsenal FC on Saturday and Liverpool FC four days later.

Several options
The Welsh international has scored 14 goals this season and his pace and ability to get behind defences has helped rejuvenate Shearer. Lomano Lua-Lua, Shola Ameobi or the fit-again Carl Cort are possible replacements.