Steve Bruce has been rocked by a fresh injury blow ahead of the trip to Villa Park this weekend after Jonjo Shelvey was ruled out of the big clash in the second city.
Shelvey played 70 minutes of the 4-2 defeat against West Ham after only playing a bit-part role in pre-season leading to questions over his match fitness.
However, he won't be involved this weekend as Bruce looks to get off the mark with his first win of the campaign.
Bruce said: "Jonjo won't make it.
"He has suffered a calf injury, the other one after his pre-season injury."
Bruce also confirmed that Freddie Woodman would again start between the posts at Villa with Martin Dubravka still out with a foot injury and Karl Darlow still not ready due to a bout of Covid.
Bruce said: "It's not great when the two most experienced ones are struggling.
"Martin's injury has become infected which will set him back a few more weeks.
"Karl has still not overcome his problems.
"We may have to register four goalkeepers which is unheard of."
