Last Updated: Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:24
Newcastle have been boosted by the news Fabricio Coloccini could return from his back injury against Stoke on Sunday.
The influential defender suffered the injury during the 4-2 victory over Southampton and was forced to sit out Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.
There was a chance of Coloccini returning for the Europa League clash against Anzhi in midweek but Pardew has been advised that the plastic pitch in Russia would not be the best surface for him to return on.
However Pardew is expected to have him back for the visit of Stoke, with Steven Taylor once again leading the defence out in Russian following a heroic performance against Swansea.
There is also good news concerning star midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa who will travel to Russia for the Europa League clash and could be handed a start by Pardew.
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