Ameobi Set For Toon Exit?

The striker, who missed a large chunk of last season with a hip problem, suffered a groin injury in the 2-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium.

Ameobi was looking to make an impact in the first team now that Michael Owen is out of the scene (also due to injury), but is his latest setback could not come at a worse time.

Sam Allardyce is said to be ready to listen to offers for Ameobi when the January transfer window opens, but his poor injury record is hardly going to impress any interested parties.

Ameobi: "I had to come off because I did something to my groin, which doesn't look good.

"I want to get back in the team and start playing as a regular.

"Injuries keeping me out isn't good for me, but this is the luck we are having at the moment. It makes it more frustrating that I had almost a season out last year and that I am struggling to get into the team.

"That's frustrating. I know what it is like to miss three or four games and then come back in is very difficult.

"I have always said that I need to play this season. I now have to get back, get fully fit and show what I can do.

"I will see how it goes in the next 48 hours. Maybe I will get some good news if it turns out it isn't as bad."