Cisse out for Senegal, doubt for derby

Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has been withdrawn from the Senegal squad for tomorrow night's friendly against South Africa. The 26-year-old left the pitch with a groin injury during Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the club today confirmed that after being assessed by medical staff, he will play no part in the game. A spokesman said: "Newcastle United can today confirm that Papiss Cisse has been withdrawn from the Senegal squad to face South Africa on Wednesday. "The striker, signed in January from Freiburg, sustained a slight groin injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Wolves and was substituted midway through the second half of the match. Having been assessed by United's medical staff, Cisse will not take part in Senegal's friendly." Manager Alan Pardew will keep his fingers crossed that his big-money January signing will recover in time to take his place in the Magpies team for Sunday's derby clash with Sunderland. Cisse has made three appearances for the club after returning from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, and has scored in each of his two home games - a 2-1 win over Aston Villa in which his strike clinched the points, and Saturday's disappointing draw. Pardew is hopeful that his partnership with compatriot Demba Ba, who has 16 goals to his name so far this season, will help Newcastle maintain their challenge for a top-six Premier League finish. But while three precious points are at stake this weekend, there is also local pride to play for as the men from Tyneside attempt to complete a league double over their arch-rivals. Newcastle won the corresponding fixture 5-1 last season, and inflicted a 1-0 defeat on the Black Cats when the two sides met at the Stadium of Light in August. However, Martin O'Neill's side has been in fine form with Saturday's 4-0 drubbing at West Bromwich Albion representing a rare setback.