Davide Santon says he is prepared to step into the shoes of the Frenchman, as Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara are struggling to make the game.
As predicted, Newcastle have been left with just one specialist right-back this season in Debuchy, after Danny Simpson was allowed to leave the club on a free transfer in the summer.
Something Pardew knew (as well as the fans), but Mike Ashley refused to open the biscuit tin in the summer and fund a replacement.
Santon is happy to switch flanks.
Davide Santon: “I can play right-back.
“I prefer left-back but I know I have to improve my left foot. When I play left-back I can go left to right.
“When I play right-back and try to go inside it is a little bit more difficult but I enjoy both.
“If the manager needs me to play right-back I am here to play where he wants me.”
Dummett and Haidara are both struggling with injuries picked up in the League Cup defeat against Manchester City, but one or the other could make the match.
Another option is Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa playing right-back, with the return of Fabricio Coloccini to the starting line-up in the centre of the defence.
Coloccini has not played since injuring his hamstring in the last international break.