Alexander Isak is set to remain out for Newcastle United when they travel to Merseyside to face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Last season's top scorer broke his toe in the 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last month, and has been unable to play through the pain despite receiving injections since.
The striker was not available for their 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend, and he has been left out of Sweden's squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, suggesting he will not be fit to feature here.
That means ex-Everton man Anthony Gordon is set to start as a false nine once again, hoping for better fortunes at his old club after a rather anonymous performance in a hostile atmosphere when Newcastle lost 3-0 here last season.
Gordon's attacker partner Harvey Barnes has been the man in form for Eddie Howe in recent weeks, and the winger was nominated for September's Premier League Player of the Month, after three goals in four games - including a nomination for Goal of the Month, with his stunning strike against Wolves.
Manager Howe rather surprisingly used seven of the 11 starters from the City draw in their EFL Cup tie with AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday, choosing not to see it as an opportunity to give many a rest.
Kieran Trippier was among those not risked, but he should return here, while two goalkeepers were utilised in the cup win, with Nick Pope also not in the side amid rumours he has a slight knee issue.
Two confirmed absentees at the back are Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, who will both be out until 2025, while Lewis Miley and Callum Wilson are not expected to feature until later this month.
Wilson will be upset at not being able to face one his favourite opponents, especially with Isak set to miss out, as he has scored eight goals in 10 career appearances against Everton.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes
Click here to see how Everton could line up on Saturday.
Andrew Delaney
