Scott Parker is set to miss the rest of the season after
Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder said he suspected the midfielder was
suffering from glandular fever.
If test results confirm the illness, the 25-year-old will not play
again this campaign - ending his hopes of making England's World
Cup squad.
"Glandular fever is what we are expecting. We think he's had this
for a month or more," said Roeder.
"That sums up everything you need to know about Scott
Parker."
The news will come as a blow to the Magpies, who have seen the
former Charlton player thrive since his £6.5m summer move from
Chelsea to St James' Park.
He has been a regular when fit at Newcastle, and has reproduced the
form which persuaded the Blues to invest £10m in his services in
January 2004.
His central midfield partnership with Turkey international Emre was
a feature of the club's improved form after the departure of Graeme
Souness.
Newcastle face Champions League-chasing Tottenham at St James' Park
on Saturday looking to return to winning ways