The 29-year-old was stretchered off with a shin injury after he was tackled by Ivory Coast defender Cheik Tiote in Brazil's 3-1 win on Sunday.

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It was turning into an abysmal afternoon for Newcastle and it deteriorated further when Tiote saw red for his challenge on Jon Ashton.

BBC: Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle

Toon substitute Cheik Tiote then saw red for a wild tackle before Joey Barton pulled one back from 30 yards in injury-time to give United hope.

BBC: Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle

Ivory Coast, who conceded twice in every game during their debut appearance at a World Cup in 2006, had only mustered errant long-range strikes from Siaka Tiene and Ismael Tiote during the opening 45 minutes.

BBC: Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal

Cheick Tiote leveled with a header from veteran captain Drogba's free-kick on the left, but Sunday Mba gave Nigeria victory as he beat three men and unleashed a 20-yard shot that was deflected past Barry.

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