Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt will complete his European ban when Dinamo Tbilisi arrive at St James’ Park tomorrow.
Kieron Dyer will again be missing as he attempts to battle his way back from a hamstring injury, but Titus Bramble is included after a reserve match.
Jermaine Jenas has recovered from the back injuury which kept him out of Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Bolton, while Stephen Carr is expected to shake off a knock picked up at the weekend.
Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Carr, Bernard, Hughes, O’Brien, Elliott, Bramble, Johnsen, Bowyer, Jenas, Robert, Milner, Ambrose, Shearer, Bellamy, Kluivert, Ameobi.