Leeds head coach Garry Monk does not think that Gayle’s absence will weaken Newcastle.
“They’ve got a good enough and talented squad to deal with a number of injuries,” said Monk.
“Whoever plays for them is going to be a very high calibre player for the Championship. Each of them bring their own problems, but ones we’re preparing for.”
Benitez’s side beat Leeds 2-0 at Elland Road in November thanks to two goals from Gayle.
“In the first game we had against Newcastle, it was the first sell-out for a number of years at Elland Road,” said Monk.
“Maybe we played the occasion a little bit and didn’t have our full focus on the football.
“We want to go up there and make sure we don’t make the same mistake. That’s when the players produce their best football.”