Manchester City striker Andy Cole has been ruled out for a month with a knee ligament injury.

The veteran forward, who has scored 10 goals for City since arriving from Fulham in the summer, limped out of the Blues’ victory over Charlton on Sunday.

A scan has shown ligament damage, forcing Cole to have an operation which will sideline him for at least the next four weeks.

Newcastle defender Celelstine Babayaro will have his appeal against his red card at Aston Villa heard on Thursday.

The 27-year-old Nigerian was dismissed for a professional foul on Villa striker Milan Baros 61 minutes into Saturday’s 2-1 Premiership game.

Already banned in retrospect for a clash with Everton midfielder Tim Cahill earlier this season, Babayaro now faces a two-match suspension if he is unsuccessful.