Newcastle duo to return soon

Newcastle have been struggling for goals without the injured Loic Remy

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says key duo Loic Remy and Mathieu Debuchy are closing in on a return to action.

However, Pardew does not know whether one or both of the pair will be available for Saturday’s home game with Swansea.

Forward Remy and full-back Debuchy have been sidelined by calf and groin injuries respectively but are now back in training.

And Newcastle have been in dire form in their absence, scoring just one goal in six games without Remy and losing their last four Premier League matches.

Regarding the prospect of the pair returning, Pardew said: “It will be a big boost for us in terms of their experience at this level and their quality. It’s nice to see them back.

“With the World Cup not far around the corner, it’s important that they get the time in now.”

However when asked if they will be in the squad this weekend, he added: “I’m not sure. We’ll have to wait and see on that for Saturday.”