CLARENCE ACUNA is set to ride to Newcastle United's rescue as they bid to put their assault on the Champions League back on track at Fulham tomorrow.

With Jermaine Jenas, Gary Speed, Laurent Robert and Darren Ambrose out of the trip to Loftus Road, Acuna is in line for only his fifth Premiership appearance of the season.

Sir Bobby Robson confirmed last night: "Clarence Acuna is in the squad for the Fulham game."

Robson has turned to Acuna because he wants a strong defensive midfield presence alongside the free-running Kieron Dyer.

Jenas could defy the pain of a broken and dislocated finger to play against Aston Villa on Easter Monday.

The England midfielder would normally be facing a lay-off of up to six weeks, and at the moment he is unable to run because of the injury.

However, Jenas may be prepared to play through the agony when Villa visit St James' Park.

Robson said: "Jermaine has had his broken and dislocated finger operated on.

"It would normally need a four to six-week rehabilitation, but the surgeon is saying he could possibly play as long as he doesn't damage it again.

"Jermaine is happy to take that risk, but at the moment it's too sore.

"He'll be better on Friday, but he won't play on Saturday. Whether he plays on Monday depends on injuries and how we play at Fulham.

"At the moment, he can't even run because of the movement of the finger. He's had a screw and wire put in, and in ten days he'll have the wire taken out."

Robson added last night: "Darren Ambrose trained today but he hasn't played for six weeks. He said his legs were very heavy after half-an-hour's training.

"The nearest he would be to playing would be at Sunderland next Saturday because he's not fit at the moment. But even that might be a week too early.

"Gary Speed won't be ready for the weekend. He's recovering from the recurrence of his hernia problem. He might play at Sunderland.

"Laurent Robert has a medial knee ligament strain, and he will be out for between ten days and three weeks."

Alan Shearer, who has a broken knuckle, yesterday had a protective cover for the injury fitted that would enable him to play at Fulham.

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