Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is reportedly considering taking a pain-killing injection as he bids to match Ruud van Nistelrooy's Premier League goal record.
Vardy has scored in nine consecutive league games for Leicester, one short of the record set by Van Nistelrooy for Manchester United in 2003, but he picked up a hip injury when scoring his most recent goal in the 2-1 win over Watford before the international break.
As a result, the Leicester Mercury newspaper has described the England forward as a "huge doubt" for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.
Vardy would still be eligible to match the record under the rules set by Opta, the Premier League's official data providers, on his next league appearance but he is said to be determined to feature at St James' Park, with the Daily Mirror reporting that he is ready to play through the pain barrier and the Daily Mail saying he is considering taking a pain-killing injection.
Newcastle defender Daryl Janmaat said in the Mirror that Steve McClaren's men will be "doing everything so that he won't be scoring against us."
He added: "We'll have to prepare for him. I hope we can stop him, but we know that won't be easy as he is so quick.
"We have some quick defenders though -- I'm not sure who is the fastest, maybe me.
"Whoever is up against Vardy, we'll have to be ready for him, and it's not just that pace -- he's a good player and very confident right now. He is doing so well for Leicester."
Leicester are currently third in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Manchester City, while Newcastle are two points clear of the relegation zone in 17th.