Joachim out of Villa's Cup clash

Aston Villa striker Julian Joachim will miss Sunday's FA Cup third round tie at Newcastle.

The former England Under-21 international has been sidelined for the last six weeks after breaking his toe against Southampton.

Joachim had an X-ray last week but said: "It still isn't quite right. There is no chance of me being fit for the FA Cup tie, but I am hoping to be back in full training soon.

"It has to be right or I could find myself back at square one."

The continued absence of Joachim leaves Villa looking lightweight in attack for the Cup clash. Club record £9.5m signing, Colombian international Juan Pablo Angel, is not eligible, while Gilles de Bilde has returned to Sheffield Wednesday after a three-month loan spell at Villa.