Steven Taylor could face season KODecember 3, 2011
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is bracing himself for news of Steven Taylor's Achilles injury amid fears his season could be over.
Taylor limped off during the closing stages of Newcastle's 3-0 defeat by Chelsea with Pardew having already used his three substitutions, and the manager later said the damage could be bad.
Taylor is due to undergo a scan which will reveal the extent of the injury, and while the most optimistic view is that he could return to action within six weeks, it is understood the Magpies are concerned privately that he could be sidelined for months.
The central defender has been central to Newcastle's success to date this season with his partnership with Fabricio Coloccini providing a firm foundation.
However, the Argentinian also left the pitch against Chelsea and he too is a doubt for next weekend's trip to Norwich with Pardew having already indicated that James Perch will start at Carrow Road.
The Magpies squad is looking increasingly thin as injury and suspension take their toll, and their only other specialist central defender, Mike Williamson, remains on the casualty list.
If Taylor's problem does prove serious, Pardew will hope for even more support from owner Mike Ashley than he had initially requested when the transfer window opens next month.
