Steve Bruce is braced to battle on for two more months without Martin Dubravka - increasing the chances of Freddie Woodman staying on Tyneside.
The fitness of Karl Darlow is also in question after his bout of Covid with a "six week" lay off possible for the ex-Nottingham Forest star.
Bruce's injury woes have also been compounded by news that Jonjo Shelvey's calf problem may see him miss a month of action.
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The Toon boss, however, was at least boosted by Isaac Hayden's possible return this weekend with Paul Dummett also on the mend.
Bruce said: "With Karl it is seeing how his physical wellbeing is.
"We have known in the past we had a player that took at least six weeks so we have to be patient.
"With Dubravka we are hoping eight weeks maybe, his wound was infected which will set him back."
Dubravka's foot injury needed an operation earlier this summer after an assessment following Euro 2020.
When asked about Shelvey's calf problem, Bruce said: "He picked up a calf injury in pre-season but it's the other one that's now injured. It's frustrating but I would think he's going to be at least another three or four weeks."
On Hayden Bruce reflected: "We don't think it's serious.
"He's sore at the moment but we don't think he's disturbed the knee he had problems with last season.
"Fingers crossed he might even be available at the weekend."
If all goes well with Hayden, Bruce may also be able to name experienced campaigner Paul Dummett in the team to play Southampton alongside him.
He said: "He's trained but he only trained yesterday with the group. I think tomorrow will be too early for him but hopefully, he'll put himself in contention for the weekend - we'll see how he trains this week."
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