Rob Elliot on stand-by to face West Ham United after injury scare to World Cup penalty hero Tim Krul

Krul is doubtful for tomorrow’s game at West Ham United with the problem, which he suffered in training yesterday.

But there was better news for Newcastle manager Alan Pardew on captain Fabricio Coloccini, who is closing in on a return from a calf injury.

Coloccini suffered the problem in United’s win over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns this month.

Steven Taylor, Cheik Tiote and Emmanuel Riviere could be involved at Upton Park, though the game has come too soon for Rolando Aarons (hamstring) and Mehdi Abeid (toe).

Pardew is hopeful Krul will be fit to face Sam Allardyce’s side – and former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll.

If Krul fails to prove his fitness, Elliot will make his first Premier League appearance of the season for in-form United.

Pardew, meanwhile, believes the injury problems which have hit his selections in recent weeks will soon ease.

He said: “Colo is running around, and so is Rolando – Tayls, Cheik, Riviere as well.

“A good proportion of those could be included at West Ham.

“But Abeid is out, he’s not comfortable.”

Papiss Demba Cisse has been a substitute in recent weeks.

However, the striker is pushing for a start, having shrugged off a minor knee problem.

“Papiss is much improved,” he said.

“I’m really pleased, he’s had a good week.

“He looks like he’s got more agility in his movement.”

Meanwhile, the Football League’s emergency loan window closed yesterday without any more United players leaving the club. Blackpool, Port Vale and Sheffield Wednesday had been keen to sign Remie Streete, from South Shields, on a short-term deal until the end of the year.

However, the 20-year-old is needed on Tyneside as defensive cover.