Will Shola Ameobi and Michael Owen be back this season? Apparently both are making good progress.
Glenn Roeder: "Shola's had fantastic news from his surgeon regarding his hip.
"He's got good movement now, and is making good progress. He tells me he cannot remember the last time he had no pain in his hip, but he hasn't now.
"But while he is feeling great to be back around the training ground, we are still not expecting him to play again for us this season. In his absence, I think people are now realising how much Shola has done for this club.
"For the last 18 months he's put his career on the line for Newcastle United. And Michael's working like a Trojan in a bid to get fit and is focusing on playing again this season. Both Shola and Michael deserve to be fit as soon as possible."
Charles N'Zogbia is still four to six weeks away from a return from his knee injury, and Shay Given will be out for the minimum of a month.
Peter Ramage is expected back slightly earlier after his hamstring problems.
Tim Krul has had another cartilage operation and will be out for two months at least.
But there was better news on Damien Duff and Titus Bramble, who are in contention for Wednesday night.
Stephen Carr, who returned against West Ham last Saturday has got over his foot injury, and Steven Taylor has served his one-match suspension against the Hammers.
Craig Moore will return to training on Monday, and Antoine Sibierski is ready to return after missing the West Ham game through concussion.