Newcastle striker Demba Ba winning fitness race ahead of Liverpool match

Demba Ba of Newcastle United celebrates his goal (Getty Images)

Newcastle striker Demba Ba could return to fitness in time for Sunday's Barclays Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew said Ba, who is recovering from a calf problem, has a good chance of being in contention for the game against Brendan Rodgers' side.

Newcastle will be without midfielder Cheick Tiote, who is serving the second game of a three-match ban after he was sent off during the 1-1 draw against Sunderland last month.

Provisional squad: Krul, Harper, Simpson, Tavernier, Ferguson, S. Taylor, Perch, Williamson, Santon, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Anita, Bigirimana, Marveaux, Obertan, Vuckic, Abeid, Amalfitano, Sammy Ameobi, Ba, Cisse, Shola Ameobi, Campbell.

PA