Xisco is a Spanish under-21 international

Newcastle will be without striker Xisco for up to three weeks after scans revealed he broke his big toe in a reserve match against Wigan on Monday.

The Spaniard, 22, scored twice in the 5-0 win before he was withdrawn after clashing with a Wigan defender.

"It's very, very swollen, and it's looking like a few weeks," said Magpies assistant boss Chris Hughton.

Xisco has only played seven first-team games since signing for �5.7m from Deportivo La Coruna last year.

606: DEBATE Not really what he needed, he was probably starting to settle in Time-4-Heroes

There was better news for the club over the form and fitness of striker Alan Smith and defender Claudio Cacapa, who both came through the reserve match unscathed.

"They're all pluses but, unfortunately, 10 minutes before the end, Xisco suffered his injury. If he hadn't, it would have been a good exercise," added Hughton.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version