Newcastle striker Michael Chopra faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging his medial knee ligaments in a reserve match on Wednesday. The England Under-21 forward will have a scan on Thursday to examine the extent of the problem. The 21-year-old was hoping to play in Newcastle's match against Arsenal on Sunday, as Shola Ameobi is suspended. "This is the worst injury I've had, but the timing of it makes it even harder," Chopra told Newcastle's website. "After having hoped of being involved with the first team, it feels like I've taken a big step back." Chopra featured in Newcastle's Intertoto Cup victory over Dubnica in July, scoring his first goal for the club. His hopes of a first-team start on Sunday had been raised after Newcastle pulled out of the race to sign Nicolas Anelka from Fenerbahce. Skipper Alan Shearer recently suffered a calf injury, but is expected to be fit for Sunday.
