Newcastle midfielder out until New Year

Newcastle could be without midfielder Yohan Cabaye until January as he requires surgery on his injured groin.



The France international limped out of the Magpies' 1-0 home defeat to West Ham on November 11.



Manager Alan Pardew has confirmed the 26-year-old will miss Thursday's Europa League clash with Maritimo and will undergo surgery in the next week.



"He will definitely have an operation, and we think it's going to be on Friday or Monday, I'm not sure," said Pardew.



"That's a blow to us because he's a top player."



The French Football Federation had released a statement on Tuesday denying they were to blame for Cabaye's injury.



Cabaye linked up with France for last week's friendly against Italy, but the FFF said he 'did not train once' and 'did not play the slightest minute of the Italy-France match, which he followed from the bench, without wearing his match kit'.



Meanwhile, Pardew could also be without striker Shola Ameobi for Thursday's visit of Maritimo to St James' Park.



"The only one we are a little bit concerned about is Shola," he said.



"He's got a slight groin niggle, so we are going to have to see how he shapes up."

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Cabaye excited by Europa League football at Newcastle

Newcastle star Yohan Cabaye has admitted he can’t wait to get the club’s Europa League campaign underway.



The French playmaker was a key member of the Toon team who impressed and finished the season in fifth position, narrowly missing out on a place in the top four.



And Cabaye, who starred for his nation at Euro 2012, believes that testing themselves against some of Europe’s best teams will be great for the club and its supporters.



"Playing in Europe next season is massive for the Club and massive for the players as it shows progression," he told Newcastle’s official website.



"We have to play in these sort of competitions for the experience. It can only be a good thing for us as a squad.



"And the fans will love it too. I can't wait for a European night in our stadium - it will be great.



"It will be really important to play well in this competition and I'm sure we can do well."

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