Newcastle striker Xisco has broken his toe in a reserve game against Wigan, and will be out for three weeks. The 22-year-old, who signed from Deportivo la Coruna for £5.7million in the summer, tried to carry on but scans later revealed the extent of the injury.

"Xisco's expected to be out for three weeks, and it's a real blow," coach Chris Hughton told the club's official website.

"He's got a toe injury. At the time he did it, he tried to carry on, but he was struggling.

"It's very, very swollen and it's looking like a few weeks. The game on Monday was an ideal time to play some players.

"Alan Smith, of course, came through fine and (Claudio) Cacapa got 90 minutes.

"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."