Broken arm cuts Williamson season short

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed a broken arm will keep defender Mike Williamson out for the rest of the season.

Williamson, who has been a rock at the back for Newcastle this season, broke his arm in training on Thursday morning. He was set to have an operation later on in the day.

That will pile the pressure on a Newcastle defence that conceded three goals at Anfield last weekend ahead of Saturday’s clash with Birmingham City at St James’ Park.

Pardew said: “He was being supervised at the time it happened.”

“It was just a genuine injury and he had a slight weakness in that arm as he has hurt it before and unfortunately that has been the issue.”

“Obviously it is disappointing and he wanted to finish the season.”

“For us the focus is now on Steven Taylor who has been patient in the background but now has an opportunity.”

“That is how football works sometimes – it gives you a chance at a strange time.”

“It was a freak injury and really unfortunate for Mike who will miss the end of the season.”

Newcastle have won just two of their last 14 Premier League games and Pardew wants his players to answer their critics on Saturday.

They were easily beaten 3-0 at Liverpool last weekend without really troubling home goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

“We lost to Liverpool who are an up-and-coming team and one definitely in form,” Pardew said.

“The major criticism of us in the fall-out from that game was that we did not really look bothered.”

“I do not think that was the case but we certainly were not on the same level as we were against Manchester United.”

“We now have to answer the questions that have been put to us.”

“The aim is to put in a committed display for the fans and those fans who travelled in great numbers to Liverpool.”

Newcastle will be without defender Thomas Kadar (hamstring), midfielders Dan Gosling (knee), Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg), Kazenga Lua Lua (broken leg). Forwards Alan Smith and Leon Best (both ankle) will also be unavailable.