Newcastle boss Hughton sweating over Taylor injury

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton admits he is concerned Steven Taylor could be sidelined for several weeks after the defender suffered a shoulder injury.

Taylor, who has been troubled by shoulder problems several times in the past, sustained his latest injury during Newcastle’s 3-0 pre-season friendly victory at Carlisle on Saturday.

The former England Under-21 centre-back now faces a race against time to be fit in time for the start of the new Premier League season, which kicks off for Hughton’s team at Manchester United on August 16.

Hughton is unsure when Taylor will return and the situation won’t become clearer until he has undergone medical tests.

“Obviously we are aware of Steven Taylor’s shoulder problems in the past, but we will not know the extent of this one until we can assess it properly in two or three days,” Hughton said.

“It’s always a worry to have an injury of this sort, especially at the start of the season, but we will just have to wait and see.”