Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey to travel to Barcelona for treatment on thigh injury

Shelvey has been struggling for fitness this season having made just 12 appearances this season

Jonjo Shelvey has only started eight Premier League matches this season (Reuters)

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is to head to Barcelona for a check-up on the thigh injury which has limited his involvement in recent weeks.

The 26-year-old has made only eight Premier League starts this season and has been hampered in recent weeks by the problem.

It is expected that he is to travel to Barcelona this week to see the specialist he consulted before Christmas, although sources on Tyneside insist the trip is scheduled and as it stands, he has not been ruled out of Saturday's league trip to Chelsea.

However, Shelvey's fitness has been a concern with the £12m signing's last four appearances, the most recent of which came in Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup third round draw with Sky Bet Championship Blackburn, having come from the bench.

One of Rafael Benitez's most influential players, Shelvey has managed a total of just 101 minutes of football since 3 November.

Benitez has lost South Korea international Ki Sung-yueng to Asian Cup duty, while fellow central midfielder Mohamed Diame sat out with FA Cup tie with a hip problem, although his manager is hoping he will be fit for the game at Stamford Bridge.

In addition, Isaac Hayden has reiterated his desire to leave Tyneside this month for personal reasons after failing to do so during the summer.

With the Magpies sitting just two points clear of the drop zone and facing another uncertain transfer window with takeover speculation an added complication, Benitez is unlikely to sanction any departures unless his squad has already been strengthened.

PA