NEWCASTLE United manager Alan Pardew has revealed Fabricio Coloccini will miss the next three games through injury.

The centre-back suffered a calf injury in the 2-0 win at West Brom before the international break.

There are fears he could miss up to five weeks of action and Pardew has confirmed he will be without his captain for the games against Queens Park Rangers, West Ham and Burnley.

“Fabricio Coloccini will miss the next three games,” Pardew told the Evening Standard.

“He’s a terrific presence on the pitch, not only a leader of men but he has a great way of leading.

“He never looks ruffled, and gives that assurance to the team.

“In a pride of lions, he is the lion sitting on the hill looking over his brood, so losing him is going to be a blow.”

Steven Taylor could return from injury for this Saturday’s game at St James’ Park, but Paul Dummett and Mike Williamson are both available if not.