Newcastle United have announced that midfielder Cheick Tiote will be absent for the next three matches due to a hamstring injury.

The Ivory Coast international, who has captained Newcastle in the absence of Fabricio Coloccini, picked up the problem during training earlier this week.

The North-East outfit have confirmed on their official website that Tiote has definitely been ruled out of the Magpies' clashes against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Tiote, who is said to have attracted interest from Manchester United, has made 24 appearances for Newcastle so far this season.