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Jack Colback is a “major concern” for Newcastle United this weekend, admits Magpies number two Paul Simpson.

Colback came off against Chelsea and has not yet trained this week, leading to fears he may be absent when Newcastle take on Manchester City on Saturday.

United will give him plenty of chance to return to the side but Simpson admits they are looking at other midfield options in case he doesn’t make it.

Simpson told NUFC TV: “He hasn’t trained so far this week, but we’re hopeful that come the end of the week he will be fit to go out. Fingers crossed we’re going to do everything we possibly can, he’s in good hands with the medical team. They’ll be doing everything they can do get him out.

“He’s a major concern for the weekend but again, if he’s not able to come out we’ve got other players ready to go out and play.”

Late substitute Siem de Jong is expected to be fine. Simpson said: “Siem de Jong took a whack on the side of his head, he didn’t have concussion - he was a little bit dazed. He’s trained, he should be fine for the weekend.”