Steve Bruce believes that Miguel Almiron has an outside chance of being involved in the clash at Brighton's Amex Stadium next Saturday night - if he can get through training this week unscathed.
The Paraguay international watched on from the stands as Newcastle were held 1-1 by Aston Villa at St James' Park and has not featured since his knee injury sustained in the draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.
Bruce has already ruled out Callum Wilson ahead of the trip to the South Coast while the game will also come too early for Allan Saint-Maximin in his eyes.
However, Almiron has a chance, and Bruce, speaking to the BBC, said: "We will see how they progress of course.
"It's going to be a little too early for Callum, we can already dismiss that. Miggy is a different option.
"He is going along very, very nicely so we'll keep our fingers crossed."
Bruce also revealed that he does not see Andy Carroll close to starting a game, despite Wilson's absence.
In response to a question on whether Carroll could play an hour or more, Bruce said: "Andy is not going to accept that being the pro that he is.
"But certainly he came on and made things happen for us.
"That's the pleasing thing about it.
"He showed a great appetite for it.
"He will be knocking on my door all week to play I am sure, but at the moment that's where we see him best."
