Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew could field Massadio Haidara in their Europa League tie with Benfica.

The French full-back, injured by Wigan midfielder Callum McManaman more than two weeks ago, made his debut in the Europa League against Metalist Kharkiv last month and could return against Benfica in the Stadium of Light on Thursday night.

The return of the £2million signing from Nancy after such a shocking challenge, will be the first piece of good news on the injury front this week for manager Alan Pardew.