Diouf set for swift return

Bolton striker El Hadji Diouf could make a rapid return from a double hernia operation to play at Newcastle on Saturday.

Diouf has not played for the Trotters after reporting the injury on his return from African Nations Cup duty with Senegal and was expected to be out of action for at least another fortnight.

However, after having surgery under the guidance of medical experts in Germany, the 25-year-old is nearing full fitness again and Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has not ruled out the possibility of Diouf featuring at St James’ Park.

“El Hadji is on the mend and it is possible he could play at Newcastle,” said Allardyce.

“The surgeon has done the job we expected. It was a tremendous find by our backroom and medical staff because their expertise has helped cut the recovery process by two or three weeks.”

Allardyce is yet to discover whether any of his international stars have picked up knocks on their various duties this week.

However, the Bolton chief – whose side lie just four points off a Champions League spot with two games in hand – has already ruled out Matt Jansen with a knee injury.