Masked Robert could return for Inter tie

Laurent Robert could return for Newcastle's game against Inter Milan, but is likely to be wearing a mask to protect his cheekbone.

Robert has been out for the last two weeks after he was injured in the Worthington Cup defeat against Everton.

But he could be pressed into emergency action after Hugo Viana sustained a knee injury which could sideline him for a month.

If Robert is called upon by Sir Bobby Robson, then his first match will be against the Serie A side next Wednesday.

The Frenchman told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "If needed I am ready to play in a mask. I have already spoken to both my surgeon and to Newcastle United about this.

''In any case I expect to be fit by the time we go to Barcelona in three weeks' time."