<text>  Newcastle United have just three fit defenders ahead of Wednesdays visit of Manchester United. The Magpies have confirmed that left back Massadio Haidara will miss the game after picking up a knee injury during Saturdays 1-0 victory over Aston Villa. Midfielder Ryan Taylor is set to deputise after replacing the stricken Frenchman at the weekend. Ryan Taylor looks set to start against Manchester United after Massadio Haidara sustained a knee injury . Taylor centre has made just four Premier League appearances since the start of the season . Haidara had to be carried off on a stretcher during Newcastles 1-0 win against Aston Villa . Head coach John Carver is already without Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett, while Davide Santon and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa were allowed to leave the club in January. And he said: We thought Haidara might be available but hes got a bit of fluid on the knee and has been for an injection, so he almost certainly wont make it. Were short of defenders and weve not got many possibilities, so Ryan comes into contention and he filled that role very well the other day. But with another injury Ill have to start to try pulling rabbits out of a hat. When asked if he had been left short by the clubs failure to bring in January reinforcements, Carver said: The squad itself is big enough, weve just been so unfortunate with these injuries. You normally have three or four of these long-term injuries per season, but weve had more than that with nine already. Our squad at the start of the season was in a healthy position, the only thing you can do is go into the out-of-contract market and it might be something we look at, but not yet. Papiss Cisse will be hoping to add to his first-half winner against Aston Villa when he faces Man United . John Carver is all smiles as he puts his players through their paces ahead of Wednesdays match . 