Nigerian international Finidi George has been given the all-clear to return to contact sport and could play a part on Saturday. The Nigerian suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone in the 1-1 draw at Fulham when he clashed with Alain Goma.

While he has been out he has trained on his own, but has not been allowed to take part in games. Marcus Stewart is in a similar position as he recovers from his jaw injury.

Manager George Burley said: "Finidi saw a specialist today and he has given him the all clear to start back training with the rest of the squad, which involves contact. Finidi has worked very hard with fitness coach Simon Thadani and is very good shape. I have no worries about his level of fitness and he will go straight into the squad for Saturday. We will see how it goes in training over the next couple of days and assess how ready he is to play."

It had been thought that the Newcastle home game would mark Finidi's return, but his addition to the squad will come as some good news for George Burley given the current injury problems.

Of the other players out Titus Bramble is almost certain to be back against Arsenal after having a calf problem. Mark Venus (thigh) and Sixto Peralta (groin) are also likely to be back in contention. Jim Magilton isn't likely to make it, despite training earlier in the week, he still has a thigh strain. Alun Armstrong came off with a hamstring problem at Newcastle, but he is hoping that this is just cramp.

Saturday's referee is David Elleray, the man who was supposed to take charge of Town's game with Newcastle on Tuesday. Running the line will be lineswoman Wendy Toms.

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