Injury jinx hits Newcastle before Arsenal clash

LONDON (AFP) –

Newcastle midfielder Vurnon Anita (R) turns away from QPR midfielder Esteban Granero on December 22, 2012

Newcastle’s Dutch midfielder Vurnon Anita (R) turns away from QPR midfielder Esteban Granero during a Premier League match at St James’ Park in Newcastle, north-east England, on December 22, 2012. Newcastle United have been hit with a succession of injuries ahead of their Premier League game away to Arsenal on Saturday, including an ankle injury to Anita which keeps him out.

Newcastle United have been hit with a succession of injuries ahead of their Premier League game away to Arsenal on Saturday.

Manager Alan Pardew has midfielder Cheick Tiote available again after a one-match ban, but Vurnon Anita is out with an ankle injury sustained in the 4-3 defeat at Manchester United.

Central defender Mike Williamson meanwhile is suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season at Old Trafford.

Jonas Gutierrez (knee) has joined fellow midfielders Yohan Cabaye (groin) and Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring) as well as central defender Steven Taylor (also hamstring) on the sidelines, while full-back Ryan Taylor and midfielders Dan Gosling and Haris Vuckic (all knee) are still missing.