Team news: Newcastle v West Ham
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will keep a close eye on French midfielder Yohan Cabaye before deciding whether to include him in his squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with West Ham.
Cabaye was left out of last Monday's 4-0 mauling at Manchester City due to transfer speculation, and Pardew has yet to decide whether to bring him back for the first home game of the Magpies' campaign.
Pardew has more personnel problems with Steven Taylor suspended after his sending-off at City, Cheick Tiote facing a late fitness test on a groin complaint, and Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring) and Loic Remy (knee) definitely out.
West Ham forward Andy Carroll will miss the opportunity to face his former club when the Hammers travel to take on Newcastle.
The club's record signing is still struggling with an ankle injury although he is getting closer to a return to training, as is defender George McCartney (knee).
Full-back Razvan Rat is in line to make his debut whilst Stewart Downing could make his first start for the club.
Provisional squads:
Newcastle: Krul, Elliot, Debuchy, Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini, Santon, Ben Arfa, Obertan, Tiote, Cabaye, Sissoko, Anita, Shola Ameobi, Gouffran, Cisse, Marveaux.
West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Adrian, Reid, Collins, Tomkins, Rat, Demel, O'Brien, Nolan, Collison, Diarra, Morrison, Noble, Diame, Taylor, Vaz Te, Jarvis, Cole, Downing, Maiga.