Newcastle Blow as Cheick Tioté Misses Season Opener Against Manchester City
Newcastle United will be without key midfielder Cheick Tioté for their Premier League opener against defending champions Manchester City. The Ivorian international has been ruled out through injury and will miss the clash against a City side featuring his compatriot, Yaya Touré.
Tioté, a regular presence in the Magpies’ starting XI, had been expected to play a central role in manager Alan Pardew’s plans for the new season. His absence is a setback for a Newcastle team looking to begin the 2014–15 campaign on a strong note.
Also unavailable for selection is summer signing Siem de Jong, who is sidelined with an injury of his own.
The match will be a stern early test for Newcastle, as City look to lay down a marker in their title defence. Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Tioté’s future, with Arsenal reportedly monitoring the midfielder’s situation.
