Newcastle lose defender Taylor for three months

London: Newcastle United's preparations for their Premier League return have suffered a blow with defender Steven Taylor ruled out for three months following shoulder surgery.

The versatile defender dislocated his left shoulder in a friendly against Carlisle United on July 17, the club said on their website (www.nufc.co.uk) on Thursday.

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Newcastle, who won promotion back to the Premier League last season, bolstered their defensive options on Wednesday by signing former England and Arsenal centre-back Sol Campbell on a one-year deal.