NEWCASTLE United boss Alan Pardew will be watching France's friendly against Belgium nervously as midfield maestro Yohan Cabaye looks set to start this evening's match.
Cabaye, who joined United last summer from Ligue 1 champions Lille, has been a sensation with the St James’ Park faithful, with his presence in midfield a key component of Newcastle’s rise to third in the Premier League.
However, the 25-year-old suffered a groin injury in the recent 2-1 home win over Everton, with Pardew anxious that the Frenchman recovers in time for this weekend’s big clash at league leaders Manchester City.
Despite the injury, Cabaye was selected by Les Bleus boss Laurent Blanc for their friendly double-header against the USA and Belgium.
Cabaye remained on the bench for the USA match, an unconvincing 1-0 victory for the French.
However, after passing a fitness test yesterday, he looks set to feature against the Belgians, with the coaching staff on Tyneside hoping he comes through with flying colours.
Meanwhile, Cabaye’s fellow midfielder, Dan Gosling, insists he’s willing to bide his time as he aims to get into Pardew’s first team.
The player has not had a happy time since his move from Everton in 2010, with injuries plaguing his United career.
But despite being out of the picture for so long, Gosling – who came on as a substitute in the recent win over his old club – is not letting his lack of opportunities get to him.
He said: “There’s a long time to go in my career. There are internationals here who are playing ahead of me and we sit third in the table at the minute, so the gaffer has obviously been reluctant to change the team, and quite rightly so. There has just been no way in, really.
“You just keep working hard on the training field and pushing each other and when the chance comes, you’ve got to be prepared and ready.”
