Newcastle United vs Manchester United: Fabricio Coloccini facing late fitness test, Jack Colback could return

Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren hopes to have Fabricio Coloccini back ahead of the visit of Manchester United on Tuesday 12 January.

The Argentine defender did not train with the club on Monday 11 January after he was forced off at half time during the club's FA Cup defeat to Watford on Saturday. While Jamaal Lascelles is ready to replace him, McClaren is hoping his captain will pass a late fitness test.

Jack Colback is also an injury doubt. The former Sunderland midfielder missed the defeat at Vicarage Road with a hamstring problem and while he did return to training on Monday, McClaren is yet to make a decision on him.

Florian Thauvin and Kevin Mbabu are also carrying knocks.

"Colo didn't train today, Jack did train and we will see what the reaction is. We'll give Colo a fitness test tomorrow," McClaren told a press conference, relayed through the club's official Twitter account. "Florian Thauvin is struggling and Kevin Mbabu has a little niggle. There's one or two knocks and we hope they clear up."

Ahead of the visit of United, where McClaren served as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson between 1999 and 2001, Newcastle were able to confirm their first signing of the January window in Senegal international Henri Saivet. The 25-year-old midfielder arrives from Bordeaux for a reported fee of £4m, signing a five-and-a-half year contract at St James Park.

"Henri is someone the club have been watching for a while, and he has developed into an excellent player at Bordeaux," McClaren said via the club's official website.

"This is someone with a very good mentality, who is a tough player and a winner. Those are key qualities you need in the Premier League and we are looking forward to seeing him pulling on the Newcastle United shirt."