Carr groin surgery rocks Magpies

Carr has become an unwelcome addition to Souness' injury list

Newcastle full-back Stephen Carr has undergone a second operation in two months on his groin injury.

The 29-year-old came off at half-time during last Saturday's Premiership game at Fulham.

The former Tottenham star was playing in his second match since returning from a hernia operation in November.

"Stephen has had an operation. We could have him back in three weeks, but in the worst case, who knows?" manager Graeme Souness told the club website.

Souness will be without Michael Owen, Scott Parker, Kieron Dyer, Shola Ameobi, Steven Taylor for this weekend's visit of Blackburn.

But the manager said that both Turkey midfielder Emre and defender Titus Bramble could be fit for the game.

"Emre will train with us, then we'll see. We'll also take a look at Titus before Blackburn," he added.

Souness said he was hopeful that midfielder Parker, who has made a big impression since signing in the summer, will be back for the FA Cup tie against Cheltenham.

"Scott has outside chance of being ready," he said.

"He is making good progress and we expect him to step things up over the next few days and then in the early part of next week."