Keegan will have Michael Owen, Oba Martins and Alan Smith as attacking options for the trip to Hartlepool.But with Carroll a doubt and Mark Viduka struggling with an Achilles problem which will rule him out until at least the end of August, the Toon boss does not have many options approaching the new campaign.
Keegan insists he would play want-away striker Shola Ameobi if need be, but that is an option he would rather do without.
The Toon boss has currently the smallest squad of players of any Premiership club, and no first team squad player will go on loan anywhere until there is cover.
Andy Carroll: "After last season and getting a taste of the first team, I am ready for more action.