Bowyer may be fit for derby match

Losing Bowyer would be a huge blow to Newcastle

Newcastle's injured midfielder Lee Bowyer could be fit for Sunday's match against local rivals Sunderland.

Bowyer, 28, hurt his knee and limped out of Saturday's defeat at Wigan before half-time but it appears as though he will make a quick recovery.

Boss Graeme Souness told the club's website: "It's not as bad as we feared.

"There's no great swelling on the knee, which is a good sign, so we are hoping it's not too serious. Let's see how it goes in the next few days."

The news is a major boost for Newcastle, who still have Albert Luque, Nolberto Solano, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Celestine Babayaro unavailable.

But Turkish international Emre returned as a substitute at Wigan after being out since August.