It's A Mystery

The midfielder will play no part in tomorrow's Premiership encounter with Birmingham, but Graeme Souness hopes to have him back "playing for Newcastle and England".

The vague details released by United yesterday morning were bewildering to say the least: "Kieron Dyer has got a medical problem which has contributed to his lack of fitness. Unfortunately, he has suffered another reaction following his appearance last weekend and will require further specialist attention to help him regain his full fitness."

Souness was reluctant to discuss the subject yesterday but today said: "The problem has nothing to do with Kieron's lifestyle. I must stress that point. He is just a very, very unlucky man and we want him back as soon as possible."