Race on for key defender

Key defender Steven Taylor is facing a race against time to shake off a stomach problem for Newcastle's trip to Chelsea on Saturday.

The centre-back has missed the two games with the injury he picked up playing for England's Under-21s last month and is losing the battle to face the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge.

Sebastien Bassong is on standby to again deputise at centre-half after playing in the 2-2 home draw against Wigan Athletic last Saturday, while Taylor is expected to be back for the north-east derby showdown against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium a week later if he fails to make Saturday.

He told the Gazette: "I'm doing everything I can to be available for selection on Saturday.

"I'm desperate to play, but the last thing I want to do is come back and break down.

"If I don't make it, then I'd be very optimistic of being ready for the Middlesbrough game."