The central defender limped off during the closing stages of Saturday afternoon's 3-0 Premier League defeat by Chelsea with Pardew having already used his three substitutions, and the manager later admitted the damage could be bad. Taylor is due to undergo a scan which will reveal the extent of the injury, and while the most optimistic view is that he could return to action within six weeks, it is understood the Magpies are concerned privately that he could be sidelined for months. The Tyneside-raised defender has been central to Newcastle's success to date this season with his partnership with Fabricio Coloccini providing a firm foundation. However, the Argentinian left the pitch before half-time today and is also a doubt for next weekend's trip to Norwich with Pardew having already indicated that his replacement on Saturday, James Perch, will start at Carrow Road. The Magpies squad is looking increasingly thin as injury and suspension take their toll, and their only other specialist central defender, Mike Williamson, remains on the casualty list. If Taylor's problem does prove serious, Pardew will hope for even more support from owner Mike Ashley than he had initially requested when the transfer window opens next month.
