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Newcastle United No 9 Papiss Cisse has jetted to Paris to see a specialist in a bid to try to cure a rib injury.

The Chronicle understands that Cisse was referred to French medics after suffering with the problem in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw with West Brom.

The Toon star has continued to play on during Newcastle’s relegation scrap, despite suffering some discomfort.

He sustained the injury in the Europa League quarter-final clash with Benfica when he suffered a small rib crack which has been

aggravated in recent matches against both Sunderland and West Brom.

However, Cisse wanted to play on as he desperately wanted to help fire Newcastle to Premier League safety.

Cisse flew out to Paris yesterday for advice on the best way to treat the problem and to see if the issue would rule him out of the last four games of the season.

Losing Cisse for the crucial run-in would serve as a major blow to Alan Pardew with the No 9’s goals absolutely crucial to his team so far this term.

His strike against Fulham two weeks ago was vital for Pardew’s side and, while he failed to find the net against Sunderland in the Tyne- Wear derby, he was on hand to set up team-mate Yoan Gouffran against the Baggies.

Newcastle will discover the extent of the rib injury in the coming days and only then will be able to assess whether he will be fit enough to face Liverpool on Saturday night.

If Cisse was ruled out, it would leave the Magpies with limited options – with Shola Ameobi the only other recognised senior striker.

United forward Gouffran would welcome a chance through the middle, while teenage striker Adam Campbell is also available to cover.

Pardew has yet to be able to start a game with Hatem Ben Arfa after his return from a hamstring injury with doubts about his fitness still hovering above him.