What have you been up to since returning to Newcastle?

I’m undergoing strenuous physical work with the fitness coach and at the moment it’s going tremendously well. I’m resting tomorrow then Thursday I’m going to begin a bit of work with the ball. The club was hoping I’d be available for the match against Manchester United this weekend but it’s not really possible. It’s annoying to have to miss this match as it’s a huge game but it’s more sensible to wait a bit. However, I hope to be ready for the first Champions League game next week against Inter Milan. It’s a case of getting the green light from my doctor first though. I have to speak to him this week so I should have a better idea of how things stand in the next few days.

Hugo Viana came off injured during the weekend’s 2-1 victory over Southampton. Any news on his injury?

I heard at training this morning that the early indications are that he has stretched his knee ligaments. Under normal circumstances, for this type of injury, he’d be out for three to four weeks.

Did you go to the match?

Yes, I was in the stands. Despite going a goal down, Newcastle found what was necessary to get level then go on to grab the win. They were three vital points as we’ve remained in touch with the leading pack. If we win our game in hand against Bolton we could go ahead of Man Utd. So we’re still in the hunt in the league and must continue to be so. To carry on what we’ve done so far, we must get at least a point from Man Utd. That would be the ideal thing before the Inter game.

Nicolas Anelka has refused to join up with the French squad who play Yugoslavia tomorrow. Has it made big news in England?

Again this morning I saw a few articles in the press but I don’t really want to talk about it. I respect Nico’s choice and don’t really have much more to say on it. Speak to you soon.

Back to Main Page