Steven Taylor is losing his battle to be fit for Newcastle United's trip to London to face title-challengers Chelsea.
Taylor has missed Newcastle's last two games with a stomach muscle problem he picked up playing for England's Under-21s last month.
Taylor Set To Sit Out Chelsea Fixture!
By Nu Mad
Updated Thursday, 20th November 2008
Joe Kinnear has Sebastien Bassong on standby to again deputise at centre-half after playing in the 2-2 home draw against Wigan last Saturday.
Bassong is said to be prefered to the error-prone Cacapa, who was dropped after his mistake gifted Fulham their opener at Craven Cottage the previous weekend.
Taylor: "I'm doing everything I can to be available for selection on Saturday.
"I'm desperate to play, but the last thing I want to do is come back and break down. If I don't make it, then I'd be very optimistic of being ready for the Middlesbrough game."
Good news for the Newcastle defender who DOES play ... Chelsea will be without Didier Drogba, with the Football Association yesterday handing the striker a three-match ban.
Drogba admitted a charge of violent conduct after throwing a coin into Stamford Bridge's away end after scoring in the Carling Cup tie against Championship side Burnley last week.
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