Preston striker Jermaine Beckford, who has been sidelined since August by a hamstring strain, could make his return to action in the game at St James' Park.
He was a Newcastle target on three occasions, as Alan Pardew tried to sign him for The Magpies.
However, the match is probably too soon for Aiden McGeady (hamstring), while John Welsh (calf) definitely will not play.
Neither will Marnick Vermijl or Alex Baptiste as they are cup-tied.
Other certain absentees are Calum Woods and Stevie May, both due to long-term knee problems.