Yohan Cabaye, Steven Taylor nearing return

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed that Yohan Cabaye and Steven Taylor are close to a first-team return but are unlikely to feature against Norwich City this weekend.

Cabaye has been sidelined since November after undergoing an operation on his groin, while Taylor has been sidelined for nearly six weeks.

Pardew thinks that Cabaye is very close but is conscious of the need to look to the long term in planning the French midfielder's comeback.

He told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "I think it might be too soon, but we will push them as hard as we can.

"We cannot bring them back, play them for one game and then they are out for five. It is better if they come back and stay fit.

"But Mathieu Debuchy comes into the team and we will look like we have a much stronger team than at the weekend."

The Magpies are just two points above the relegation zone ahead of the trip to Carrow Road after a difficult run of form in the Premier League.