Dwight Gayle is "capable" of filling the void left in the final third left behind by injured Callum Wilson - according to Steve Bruce.
The former Crystal Palace star is fit again after a knee injury but has not started a game all season and has been overlooked in six of the last nine Premier League matches.
His only goal came when he headed home the winner against West Bromwich Albion back in December.
When asked about using Gayle in the absence of Wilson, Bruce said: "It's for anybody to step up but we all know what Dwight is capable of.
"Again he has been racked with injuries, unfortunately.
"So we hope that he can stay well and stay fit.
"We know he's capable, and the same goes for Joelinton, Andy Carroll...
"Let's hope somebody can come in.
"They're big boots to fill but that is somebody else's opportunity."
Bruce may also have to tweak things in the heart of his defence against Chelsea with Fabian Schar ruled out until April.
Ciaran Clark will return after missing the win against Southampton for family reasons, but when asked if Isaac Hayden could fill in at the back Bruce added: "He's been very valuable.
"Because of his versatility of course.
"That helps enormously, Stan Ternent my old chief scout who watched Isaac as a boy at Arsenal always said his best position was at centre-back.
"Certainly when you see him perform the way he did and the way he has numerous times at centre-back it does give you food for thought.
"He's also played right-back which he does very well too.
"A manager needs one or two of them because of the problems you have either during a game or a situation like now when you're struck down with injuries."
