Papiss Cisse hands Newcastle United timely fitness boost

Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has declared himself fit and available following six weeks on the sidelines with a groin problem.

The Senegal international has only scored twice in the Premier League this season during what has been an injury-hit campaign, but the striker has notched double figures in three of his four seasons with the Magpies.

Saturday's 5-1 defeat at Chelsea saw Steve McClaren's side return to the relegation zone, but Cisse has said that he is "fit, sharp and very focused" to help his side escape danger.

"The past two months have been frustrating. Now I'm back to Newcastle to resume training. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season," The Mirror quotes Cisse as saying. "I feel fit, sharp and very focused. I can't wait to get back playing again as quickly as possible. I'm in good shape."

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez have both scored five Premier League goals for Newcastle this season.