Newcastle's Loic Remy Ruled Out For Three Games With Calf Problem

Newcastle have been dealt a major blow for their trip to Fulham this weekend, with prolific striker Loic Remy ruled out with a calf problem.

The French international, who has scored 13 goals this season, will miss the next three games - including home ties against Crystal Palace and Everton.

He's joined on the injury list by full-back Mathieu Debuchy, who should return from his groin injury for Newcastle's tie against Manchester United in early April.

Newcastle's away tie against Fulham will also be the first of manager Alan Pardew's seven match suspension, which he received for head-butting Hull's David Meyler.

Remy recently slammed 'vicious and greedy' women after being cleared of gang rape.

Assistant boss John Carver will take over during the ban, which bans Pardew from the stadium, not just the touchline. Pardew's ban will return for Newcastle's final three games of the season, starting with an away trip to Arsenal on 28 April.

Former Newcastle goalkeeper John Burridge told the BBC earlier this week that Carver would be the "right man" for the job, saying "John's very experienced having done it all before and I'm sure he will be well briefed."

As the Premier League season heads into the home straight, Newcastle are seeking to close the gap on a tightly-packed top seven. They are currently five points behind Manchester United – who host Liverpool on Sunday - and Everton, who have a game in hand.