Pardew Delighted By Cisse Return Amid Ba Blow

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew says striker Demba Ba is doubtful for the trip to Liverpool this weekend.

The Senegal forward, who has scored six goals this season, limped off during the victory over West Bromwich Albion with a calf problem.

Pardew is pessimistic about the 27 year old's chances of facing Liverpool this weekend, but is boosted by the return to goalscoring form of Papiss Cisse, who netted his first league goal of the campaign for Newcastle against The Baggies.

"I think he's 50-50 - at best," Pardew admitted.

"We've got Papiss back on the goal trail and Shola and Sammy so we're happy with that.

"It is very important to have that. Papiss is fit and well and we are looking forward to seeing him this weekend."

Having scored 13 goals in his opening six months at Newcastle, Cisse has failed to recapture the form which saw him finish as the club's second highest scorer of the 2011/12 campaign behind Ba.

His fortunate goal against West Brom is his second of the season, following a header in the League Cup tie with Manchester United, and his return to form could come in the nick of time for The Toon, who face a daunting trip to Anfield where they haven't won for 18 years.

Meanwhile, Pardew has moved to quash speculation that winger Sylvain Marveaux has been frozen out at St James' Park.

The winger has made just one league start this season, in Newcastle's draw with Everton with his appearances expected to be restricted to the League Cup and the Europa League.

But Pardew says all players will get their opportunity.

"Sylvain's not out of the equation - at any time he could be called upon," Pardew added.

"I have no fears or bones about putting him in. He is trying to earn his place.

"Sammy [Ameobi] and Fergie [Shane Ferguson] have done well, and they're both in his position. Gabby [Obertan] is also been doing well.

"With United facing so many games at home and abroad, no player has been frozen out."