Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship trip to Nottingham Forest.

The Argentina international has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and is yet to return to full training.

Manager Chris Hughton told the club's official website: "Fabricio is still to train with the rest of the squad. We are hoping he will do so by the end of the week but he's touch and go for Saturday."

Meanwhile, teenage striker Nile Ranger is recovering on Tyneside after having to withdraw from the England Under-19 squad with a virus.