[kennethlindheim]

SHOLA Ameobi is losing his battle to be fit for Newcastle's home game against Tottenham – but his groin problem does not need an operation.

But United manager Sam Allardyce has better news on the injury front elsewhere.

Defender Celestine Babayaro is among those in contention for a place in the squad for Monday night's televised fixture, and striker Mark Viduka is almost certain to start up front after missing the Magpies' last game against Everton.

Ameobi has not featured since last month's Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium because of a groin problem.

The injury has not needed surgery, and Allardyce hopes to have the striker back in training in the next couple of days.

He told the Gazette: "Hopefully by the end of the week Shola will be back in training, but I don't think he will be available for Monday."

However, Babayaro – who has not yet featured for Allardyce – is close to fitness.

The left-back – this week warned by Allardyce that he is drinking in last-chance saloon as far as his United career is concerned – is back from his niggling groin and hamstring problems, while Viduka and Cacapa are both likely to start against Spurs after returning to fitness.

Allardyce added: "Celestine actually trained for the first time on Monday.

"Mark's also back in training, as is Cacapa. Hopefully all of the players who have been away will report back with no problems."

Meanwhile, Allardyce says Alan Smith – suspended for the Tottenham game after picking up five bookings – is over his knee problem, having been rested by England coach Steve McClaren last week.

Smith had been playing with the injury in recent weeks, and had the problem assessed by McClaren's medical team when he linked up with his country.

Allardyce said: "He was rested by England last week, and he's running now with no problems. He needed rest, and he got that with England."

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/nufc/N...tle.3390517.jp