Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes that his side will recover from their dip in form soon.

The Magpies are winless in their last four games, following their 2-1 Premier League loss against Swansea last weekend.

They’re back in Europa League action against Maratimo on Thursday, before taking on struggling Southampton at the weekend.

Although the pressure is growing, Pardew believes that the return of some senior players will turn around the club’s on field fortunes:

"We've had a bit of a dip and we're sad about that, sad for our fans. We have to come out fighting and we want to do that on Thursday night (against Maritimo)." He is quoted by SkySports.

"Southampton got a great result at the weekend (a 3-1 win at QPR) and I'm pleased for them. But for us on Sunday it's a big game and we need to pick up some points.

"I think it will help if we have our senior players back and hopefully we'll have one or two back this week and maybe a couple more next week. So that will arm me and make the side stronger.

"We're humble at the moment - we've been humbled - so we need to respond."

One player who will not be available is Yohan Cabaye and Pardew is unsure as to when the Frenchman will be back:

"He's getting a second opinion tonight (Tuesday) just so see if an operation is necessary,

"I think probably that will be the case and that will be four to six weeks out. He's a very important player but we need to have him right.”