Robert breaks cheekbone in Weir clash

Laurent Robert is to undergo an operation in Paris today to repair a cheekbone fractured by David Weir's elbow in Newcastle's Worthington Cup defeat by Everton.

The French winger, who failed to convert Newcastle's final penalty of Wednesday night's shoot-out, is likely to be out for a month with the injury, although his manager, Sir Bobby Robson, will consider Robert using a protective mask as Trevor Sinclair did for West Ham. Robson did not accuse Weir of intent but said it was a vigorous challenge. "When you see it on tape, Weir is lucky to get away with it." The Everton defender had already been booked at the time of the incident.

Robson's concerns were not eased when his Ireland international keeper, Shay Given, publicly criticised his policy of rotating his goalkeepers. Since Given's indifferent display in a 5-2 defeat at Blackburn last month, Robson has used Steve Harper in the Champions' League and Worthington Cup matches while bringing Given back for Premiership fixtures.

"I'm not adjusting to being in and out every week very well," said Given. "I don't think you can keep alternating between the keepers for very long. I prefer to play every game and I don't agree with it; I don't think it's right. It creates unrest for myself and the team and it's hard for Steve coming in for a couple of games."

Roy Keane has opted not to contest the five-match ban and £150,000 fine imposed by the Football Association, although he insists the charges were "not justified". The Manchester United captain was charged with two counts of bringing the game into disrepute over his foul on Manchester City's Alf-Inge Haaland and subsequent claims in his autobiography that the tackle was intended to injure.

A statement from Keane said: "I feel the evidence and arguments put forward by me and my legal representatives to the disciplinary commission were sufficiently strong. However, I consider that I must put the interests of Manchester United Football Club and my family before my own, and for that reason I have decided not to appeal."