Hamstring problem for Coloccini

Fabricio Coloccini: Suffered hamstring injury in 3-1 win over West Brom

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has confirmed skipper Fabricio Coloccini will miss next weekend's clash against Liverpool.

The 30-year-old Argentinean suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-1 win at West Brom on Sunday and had to be replaced by Davide Santon at half-time.

He will now miss next Sunday's home clash with seventh-placed Liverpool - which is being shown live on Sky Sports 1HD at 1.30pm - as the Magpies push for European football next term.

His absence comes as Pardew insists Newcastle do not have the depth of squad to challenge for a UEFA Champions League place.

"There are a lot of games left, a lot of points. But I don't think we've got the depth of squad to challenge for that (a Champions League place)."
Alan Pardew Quotes of the week

The win over the Baggies saw the sixth-placed Magpies close the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham to five points with eight games of the season left to play.

But Pardew believes Newcastle are not well enough equipped to overhaul one of the top four, as he said: "Are we Champions League contenders? I don't think so. The last 10 games are the most important ones in any season and we've won the first two of those.

"There are a lot of games left, a lot of points. But I don't think we've got the depth of squad to challenge for that (a Champions League place).

"I get told the fans might be thinking 'this is on' - but not me."

Worth place

Hatem Ben Arfa set up Papiss Cisse's two goals and scored himself at The Hawthorns to be named as the official man of the match and Pardew has backed him for a place in the France squad.

He said: "There are not many players who can do what he can do and it might be a nice wild card for France to have him in the squad.

"He really has knuckled down and there is a much more controlled person in his manner and the way he is around the training ground.

"I can say that publicly so it registers with the French manager.

"In the past in France there was some reputation that he was an 'enfant terrible' but not here.

"He has been immaculate and especially this season he has really focused and got his mind set in a good place."