Xisco blow for Magpies

Newcastle striker Xisco has been ruled out for up to three weeks after the club confirmed he broke the big toe in his left foot during Monday’s reserve match against Wigan.

The Spanish striker had scored twice during the 5-0 win before he had to be withdrawn after clashing boots with a Wigan defender.

The club sent Xisco for scans following the game and coach Chris Hughton today confirmed the 22-year-old is likely to be out until early March.

“Xisco’s expected to be out for three weeks, and it’s a real blow,” Hughton told www.nufc.co.uk, the club’s official website.

“He’s got a toe injury. At the time he did it, he tried to carry on, but he was struggling. It’s very, very swollen, and it’s looking like a few weeks.

“The game on Monday was an ideal time to play some players. Alan Smith, of course, came through fine, and (Claudio) Cacapa got 90 minutes.

“They’re all pluses but, unfortunately, 10 minutes before the end, Xisco suffered his injury. If he hadn’t, it would have been a good exercise.”

The Spain Under-21 international signed from Deportivo la Coruna last summer for a reported fee of £5.7m, but has struggled to make an impression with the Magpies and has not scored for the club since Newcastle’s 2-1 loss against Hull on the opening day of the season.