Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given will miss the start of the
Premier League season, which kicks off on Saturday.
The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland star limped out of the friendly
against Sampdoria with a groin injury and was sent to a specialist
in London.
Boss Sam Allardyce said: "He has been for a scan and it does not
look serious, it's just a slight strain.
"At the moment we only expect him to be out for a couple of weeks
but we won't take any risks."
Given is likely to miss the Republic of Ireland's friendly against
Denmark on 22 August.
Newcastle begin the new campaign at Bolton on Saturday and Michael
Owen is also set to miss that game.
Allardyce has revealed his "bitter disappointment" at the England
striker's inability to take part in most of the club's pre-season
friendlies.
A thigh injury picked up during shooting practice last month has
left the 27-year-old on the sidelines.
