Simpson Suffers Broken Toe

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Newcastle United defender Danny Simpson will miss up to four matches with a broken toe, according to manager Alan Pardew.

The full-back suffered the injury during the first half at Arsenal last time out, but played on through the pain before eventually being withdrawn in the closing stages.

As Everton come to Tyneside on Wednesday night, the Magpies' rearguard will be weakened by the loss of Simpson, but there is some good news in the shape of centre-back Mike Williamson returning from a one-game ban. 

"We have Williamson available, which is good news because he was suspended," explained Pardew

"But unfortunately we have lost Danny Simpson.

"We really lost him at half-time (at Arsenal) and maybe I should have subbed him then, because he broke his toe so he will definitely miss the next three or four games maybe.

"That has compounded our issues a little bit and hopefully we will just have enough for this one (against Everton) "

United have been hit by injury woes all season, but finally there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel, with midfielder Yohan Cabaye and defender Steven Taylor both back in light training on Monday following respective groin and hamstring lay-offs.

"We've got some fantastic players who aren't able to contribute at the moment," said Pardew.

"There's been a whole first-choice midfield - with the exception of Cheick - sitting on the treatment table.

"But we've had some positive sights on the training ground. Cabaye has been running around, (Steven) Taylor has been running around, and suddenly that's given everyone a little lift."