Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote has been ruled out of his side's match against Chelsea on Saturday through injury.
The 25-year-old, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, is taking longer to recover than expected.
"Cheik won't be involved on Saturday, and I'm not going to say he'll play a week later," said manager Alan Pardew.
"We've got to make sure he's right - he's a very important player for us."
The Magpies go into the match at the Sports Direct Arena fourth in the Premier League table, one place above their opponents.
