Laurent Robert is out of Newcastle’s quarter-final Worthington cup clash with Chelsea on Wednesday.

The Frenchman has ruled himself out of contention after picking up an injury against Ipswich on Sunday.

Robert aggravated a back injury he has been carrying for a the last few games, and could even miss the Premiership game with Blackburn on Saturday.

Robert said "I hope I haven't made it worse by playing on - I am feeling better now but won't be able to play against Chelsea. There is not much I can do to cure it apart from rest."

Apart from Robert, the Magpies should field the same side that defeated Ipswich.

Meanwhile, Robert will also miss the Boxing day derby clash with Middlesbrough. The former Paris man picked up another booking against Ipswich, and will miss the game through suspension.