The Socceroos striker had just made a return to the Newcastle United squad after yet another spell on the sidelines, only for his injury curse to strike yet again.

He wasn't included in the Magpies squad that lost 2-1 to Manchester United in midweek and he is facing a race against time to be fit for the next Premier League match against Hull City.

A hamstring is the latest problem but Newcastle are keeping their fingers crossed that it is only a short-term setback.

Viduka has made just one start all season, but acting Magpies manager Chris Hughton hopes to have him available for the trip to Hull.

He told the Northern Echo: "It's just a minor injury which Mark picked up in training. It kept him out of the Manchester United game, but we don't expect him to be out for too long."

Meanwhile, Vince Grella's unlucky run with injuries has continued after the Socceroo picked up a groin injury in Blackburn's 0-0 draw with Everton on Wednesday night.

Grella, who has battled a number of injuries since joining Rovers in August, was substituted at half-time of the contest at Ewood Park due to a groin complaint.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce admitted he was concerned when he spoke to Setanta Sports: "We got forced into a couple of changes, one with Vince feeling his groin at half-time."

But Allardyce remains confident Grella's latest injury shouldn't be a problem which will keep him from missing any matches.

The Rovers gaffer later added on BBC Sport, "We've got a full week to recover from this. Overcome some of the injuries we picked up today with Gael Givet and Vince Grella."

Blackburn's next match is not until Wednesday when they journey down to London to face Mark Schwarzer's Fulham and Grella will be eager to play a part, especially following Blackburn's return to the drop zone.