Alan Pardew desperate to make additions to Newcastle squad during January transfer window

Magpies have been beset by injuries

Alan Pardew has seen his side slump since signing a new deal (PA)

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits he is desperate to add new faces to his squad in January after being hit with another injury setback ahead of the Magpies' clash with champions Manchester City.

Hatem Ben Arfa is struggling to shake off a hamstring strain and the midfielder's absence would represent another big blow for Pardew's men with Yohan Cabaye already ruled out of the St James's Park clash.

Pardew said: "We look weak with the injuries sustained and we may need to bring in a player or two. Mike (Ashley) has been very supportive and I want to look him in the eye with great results under my belt, but at the moment they are tricky results."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is unlikely to risk Michael Owen against Everton at the Britannia Stadium despite the 33-year-old coming through 70 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday.

Owen professed himself "raring to go" after the game after sitting out with groin and hamstring problems since the end of October.

But Pulis said: "Michael did smashing on Tuesday but he needs more work on the training ground, a bit more strength. He needs another couple of weeks of full training, another game or two first before we chuck him back in."

James McClean hopes Sunderland's 3-0 win over Reading has signalled a change in both his own fortunes and those of his club as they prepare for tomorrow's daunting trip to Old Trafford.

McClean hit his first goal in eight months against the Royals and admitted he is still seeking to hit the heights he reached during a superb spell with the Black Cats last season.

McClean said: "I can turn it around and get back to where I was. I want to top last season's performance. Maybe I can do that with the help around me but it is mainly down to myself."

Norwich look to make it 10 Barclays Premier League games without defeat when they face Wigan at Carrow Road but Chris Hughton has doubts over Wes Hoolahan and Alex Tettey.

Meanwhile Wigan boss Roberto Martinez could have central defenders Gary Caldwell and Ivan Ramis available again after injury as the Latics look to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Fulham boss Martin Jol will cast rumours over Brede Hangeland's future aside as his side look for victory at London rivals Queen's Park Rangers, still without a win this season despite the appointment of Harry Redknapp.

Mahamadou Diarra is a major doubt after he took a knock against Tottenham two weeks ago, while Simon Davies is not ready to feature despite returning to training after a long-term hip injury.

Also tomorrow, Southampton look to continue the recent improvement that has seen them move clear of the relegation zone as they head to Anfield to face Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool.

In Sunday action, Tottenham face Swansea at White Hart Lane while West Bromwich Albion look to get their season back on track at home to West Ham. Reading entertain Arsene Wenger's ailing Arsenal on Monday.

PA