Scout Scribbles- Henry a Doubt for Gunners

Newcastle splash the cash to snap up Papiss Demba Cisse. Thierry Henry is an early doubt for Arsenal with a calf problem. Jonas Olsson could return for West Brom this weekend, while Mick McCarthy has a few injury worries ahead of tonight’s FA Cup replay with rivals Birmingham.

Newcastle have made the first significant move in the winter transfer window with the capture of Papiss Demba Cisse from SC Freiburg on a five and a half year deal. The Senegal international, currently unavailable due to African Cup of Nations commitments, has been handed the number nine shirt and is set to link up with compatriot Demba Ba, in what looks like a lethal front pairing for Alan Pardew’s side. Cisse has an outstanding scoring record in the Bundesliga, netting 31 goals in 49 appearances in the last two seasons, and Pardew explained the reasoning behind the move:

Ever since Andy Carroll left, Papiss was my first choice in the specific role he has had at the end of the play. He’s a player who plays off the shoulder and wants to go in behind, but he’s got a little bit more to his game than that.

Thierry Henry may miss out on the chance to feature against Man United this weekend after reports suggest he has picked up a calf problem in training. The Frenchman has since undergone scans, with Arsene Wenger anxiously awaiting the results.

Norwich have announced they have agreed a deal with Leeds for the transfer of Jonathan Howson. The Leeds skipper has six months left on his existing contract and the move will go ahead subject to a medical and agreement of personal terms. It would bring yet another midfielder to the Canaries ranks, further swelling the options available to Fantasy managers- Paul Lambert has already used eight players in the middle this season and with little sign of consistency of selection, Howson’s appeal, in spite of his undoubted talents, may be resultantly lessened.

The Canaries have also revealed Ritchie De Laet’s loan deal has been cancelled. The Belgian has struggled with a back problem all season and has appeared just twice since the end of gameweek 4; he returns to parent club Man United with immediate effect.

Sunderland’s highly-rated forward Ryan Noble has joined up at Derby on a one-month loan deal. Noble has been banging in the goal for the Black Cats reserves but has struggled to make the step up to the first-team, with just a couple of sub appearance all season. Noble is the third Sunderland player to leave on loan this week; Jordan Cook and Louis Laing joined Carlisle United and Wycombe Wanderers respectively.

Chris Herd looks likely to remain on the sidelines for another month for Aston Villa. The Australian has failed to feature since gameweek 15 after picking up an ankle injury and was initially expected to return this month but Alex McLeish admitted yesterday that the player needs further recovery time. McLeish also revealed the club will be cautious with Emile Heskey’s Achilles problem, while Eric Lichaj managed forty-five minutes for the reserves yesterday, having been out since August with a hip problem.

West Brom injury woes appear to be lessening ahead of their weekend trip to Stoke. Speaking yesterday, Roy Hodgson admitted he is hopeful of a first-team for both Jonas Olsson and Shane Long, while Nicky Shorey and Gareth McAuley are making good progress from “slight strains”. On the downside, the Baggies boss revealed that Paul Scharner is a doubt with an Achilles injury and Billy Jones is struggling to overcome a hamstring problem.

Mick McCarthy revealed he has a few injury concerns ahead of this evening’s FA Cup replay with Birmingham. Roger Johnson, Matt Jarvis and Kevin Foley are all likely to be sidelined, with the Wolves boss hopeful the trio will be ready for the weekend home clash against Aston Villa. McCarthy also admitted Dave Edwards was subbed off at Spurs due to a lack of match fitness, while in-form Steven Fletcher will be rested this evening to ensure his availability for the Villa showdown.

Ryan Shotton has today revealed he is on course for a comeback this weekend against West Brom. Shotton missed out last time round at Anfield after failing a fitness test on his ankle but is making steady progress and expects to be available to face Roy Hodgson’s men at the Britannia.