The trio limped out of Newcastle United’s 3-0 win over Wigan Athletic at St James’s Park last night, but I still believe they were replaced because the game was "under control" rather than any serious challenge.
Their injuries were the only downside to a hugely-significant victory for Newcastle, which ended a run of four defeats.
Allegedly ... Ba and Tiote both felt tightness in their hamstrings, while Davide Santon left the field with a groin problem.
However, Pardew’s revealed their withdrawals were “precautionary”, and they’re expected to be in the squad for the club’s visit to Craven Cottage on Monday.
Alan Pardew: “I think they’ll all be OK.
“Hamstring for Cheik, hamstring for Demba – a tightness – and Davide is a groin.
“I think the three we took off were kind of precautionary rather than tears and horrible scans tomorrow.
“Fingers crossed, we think they might all make Fulham.
“I said to the players we have to accept that this is going to be one of those years.
“We are going to get blow after blow. We have to accept it. We just move on to the next game."