Under Chris Hughton’s caretaker charge, troubled Newcastle United play host to Paul Ince’s Blackburn Rovers for Saturday’s Premiership game at St James’ Park.

The Magpies are currently second from bottom with just four points from five games, while Rovers are 10th with seven points.

More troubles for the manager-less Newcastle came on Wednesday night when they were dumped out of Carling Cup by holders Tottenham, as the Magpies suffered injury blows to Obafemi Martins (knee) and Ignacio Gonzalez (Achilles).

Martins had only made a return after missing four games with groin problem against Spurs, but at the end of the game that saw the hosts lose 2-1 to the north-Londoners, the Nigerian striker’s area around right tibia and knee joint was found to have suffered a problem and he is now out for around six weeks.

As such, Hughton, who has not been able to bring success to his side in last three games, could pair Xisco up front with skipper Michael Owen, looking to bring the Tynesiders a positive result.

Others missing for the Newcastle are Danny Guthrie and Joey Barton (both suspended); injured Mark Viduka, Habib Beye (both Achilles), Jonas Gutierrez (shoulder) and Jose Enrique.

For Blackburn, goalkeeper Paul Robinson will be missing as he is set for a spell on the sidelines for up to two weeks due to a calf strain. The England international picked the problem in Wednesday night's Carling Cup third round victory over Everton. Elsewhere, David Dunn is sidelined for long-term with Achilles problem.

Ince will bring in Jason Brown to start in the goal. Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts are likely to be paired up front, meaning former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler could be handed a place on bench.