Newcastle United midfielder Scott Parker looks set to miss the rest of the season after contracting suspected glandular fever.
The former Charlton Athletic and Chelsea player was awaiting the results of tests although acting manager Glenn Roeder appeared resigned to losing him.
“It’s a huge disappointment because he’s had a terrific season in his first year here,” Roeder told Newcastle’s website.
“If, and I stress the word if, he was to miss the last seven games, he would be devastated.
“There have been periods during games where he hasn’t been himself. He’s been shattered at the end of games.”
Parker won two England caps in 2004, but, if confirmed, the illness will rule him out of Sven Goran Eriksson’s plans for the World Cup.
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