Alan Pardew "upset" with Antonio Valencia tackle on Vurnon Anita

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that he is worried about the fitness of Vurnon Anita.

The Dutch midfielder was stretchered off with an ankle injury late on in the Magpies' Boxing Day defeat to Manchester United, following a mistimed slide tackle by Antonio Valencia.

"I was a bit upset with that tackle," said Pardew. "I have seen it again and I don't think it was malicious but Valencia has mistimed it badly and unfortunately it might cost us a player.

"I am not sure what is wrong. It is too early to say. It is a bang on the ankle. We will have to see whether he will make Arsenal, which would be a loss to us."

Anita has made 16 Premier League appearances this season since signing from Ajax in August.