Manager Steve Bruce is otherwise looking forward to having some of his long-term absentees back in the fold shortly after defender Michael Turner was told the pain he was feeling in his knee following his return to training was nothing sinister.

Fraizer Campbell and David Meyler (both knee) are both due to see specialists on Monday with Campbell hoping to be given the go-ahead to resume training and Meyler having checks to ensure his rehabilitation is on track.

Skipper Lee Cattermole (back) has resumed light training and could be as little as 10 days away from rejoining his team-mates, while loan signing Danny Welbeck (knee) is due to return from treatment in Manchester on Monday. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Billy Knott has been added to the squad.

Provisional squad: Gordon, Mignolet, Onuoha, Bardsley, Richardson, Angeleri, Ferdinand, Bramble, Mensah, Muntari, Riveros, Henderson, Malbranque, Elmohamady, Sessegnon, Colback, Gyan, Adams, Cook, Knott.