Papiss Cisse has been ruled out of Newcastle's Europa League opener against Maritimo on Thursday night.
Both Senegalese strikers missing from Toon squad
Papiss Cisse has been ruled out of Newcastle's Europa League opener against Maritimo on Thursday night.
The Senegal international has withdrawn from the squad because of illness and will not now travel to Madeira.
Cisse, who bagged 13 goals from 13 Premier League starts for the Magpies last season, has yet to hit the target this campaign.
His place has been taken by 17-year-old Adam Campbell while strike partner Demba Ba was also missing from the party which flew out from Tyneside.
Reasons for Ba's absence, two days after his double rescued a point at Everton and following his agent's suggestion that he did not understand his current role at the club, were less clear.
However, Shola Ameobi and his brother Sammy were on the plane after the young midfielder confirmed his return to fitness by playing in the U21s' 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
Fitter
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland youngster Shane Ferguson, who also played in the derby draw, has declared himself fully fit after picking up a knock whilst on international duty last month.
The 21-year-old Derry-born left-sider put in a 90-minute performance against their North East rivals and is now eager to push on and try and hold down a regular starting role in the first team.
"I'm pleased to be back into the swing of things now and to be back playing regular football. It's great and I'm hoping to try and get fitter every game," he told the club's
official website.
"Now I just hope to push on, try to push on and make a mark in the team, and get myself back in the squad."
