Sandro and Rafael van der Vaart are both available for Saturday’s trip to Wigan in the Barclays Premier League.
Brazilian midfielder Sandro made his long-awaited return from a knee injury in Tuesday’s Carling Cup tie at Stoke and came through 71 minutes.
Rafa also started that match having played 45 minutes in last Sunday’s win over Liverpool following a hamstring injury, and is now back to full fitness.
However, Benoit Assou-Ekotto is a doubt through illness, while Niko Kranjcar (ankle) and Roman Pavlyuchenko (hamstring) have been ruled out of the visit to the DW Stadium.
They join an injury list that includes Aaron Lennon (groin) and William Gallas (calf), who Harry Redknapp reports are both making progress and will soon be available for selection.
Aaron has returned to training today (Friday) while William came through 90 minutes of a friendly with Brentford earlier this week.
Steven Pienaar (groin) and Danny Rose (ankle) are also progressing well but remain sidelined along with Michael Dawson (Achilles) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle).
Team News
posted on 23/9/11
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posted on 23/9/11
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posted on 23/9/11
Sweet. Newcastle is one of the few games I get to go to
posted on 23/9/11
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posted on 23/9/11
gosh so benny is out. my worst nightmare. PLEASE get better for the NLD
posted on 23/9/11
He's not definitely out Chronic, just 'doubtful'.
posted on 23/9/11
Do you think we should play him if hes ill though?
That can make him worse.
As our only fit left back its important that we dont lose him for any more time than necessary.
I suppose Bale could go left back.
Whoever suggested that Bassong could go LB earlier in this article must want to give me a heart attack.
posted on 23/9/11
Probably not Chronic, but depends what's wrong with him I suppose. It could be that he was too ill to even travel up to Wigan. The team fly to all northern games, and I know I wouldn't want to get on a plane if I was ill.
posted on 23/9/11
Should be Bale at LB or move one of the other full-backs across
posted on 23/9/11
cheers for that contribution barca