Obertan out of Everton clash

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi and winger Gabriel Obertan are unfit for Everton’s visit to St James’ Park on Saturday.

It could be several matches before the in-form French winger Obertan appears again, according to manager Alan Pardew.

“Unfortunately he has picked up an infection and I think he will miss Saturday,” Pardew told the club’s official website.

“He might even miss the next two games, and that is really unfortunate because I thought he was outstanding at times against Stoke.”

The former Manchester United winger has started the season well for the Magpies, setting up one of Demba Ba’s three goals against Stoke on Monday.

“Obertan’s pace is a real asset to us because you can put teams on the backfoot,” Pardew said.

Ameobi is still unfit, and midfielder Cheik Tiote is also doubtful with a knee injury.

“Obertan and Shola are definitely out and we will have to wait on Tiote,” Pardew said.

The United boss hopes to entertain the largest crowd of the season at St James’ Park after the club allowed season-ticket holders to buy additional seats for the game at half price.

“It looks like we are going to have a bumper crowd and I am really happy about that. That will help us,” Pardew said.

“It is just reward for the players to have 50,000 in for the game, and we are all really looking forward to it.”

“We have sold another big allocation of season tickets thanks to the offer we put on, and a lot of them to young fans which is very important.”

“I think we have put a little bit of pride back into the shirt, and we are getting new fans coming in and new season ticket holders, and that is absolutely brilliant.”

Newcastle are third in the Premier League, one point behind champions Manchester United, while Everton are 16th.