Steve Bruce is coping with a defensive crisis ahead of the encounter with Southampton at St James' Park.
Jamal Lewis has suffered with a hamstring injury while Fede Fernandez still isn't fully fit after Covid.
Jamaal Lascelles (hamstring) is still struggling while Paul Dummett is a doubt.
Bruce is also uncertain on Ciaran Clark after his partner went into labour.
United could have to rely on Isaac Hayden dropping back to centre-half while Matt Ritchie is in contention at left-back.
Bruce said: "The captain is not going to make, Ciaran's partner has gone into labour, Dummett is struggling and Jamal Lewis has an injury."
Bruce has no issues on selecting Matt Ritchie despite the fact he almost he went to AFC Bournemouth on deadline day.
The Toon boss said: "You don't have to question Matt with his professionalism
"You get to a certain stage in your career and you want to play but I can't guarantee him a place, that's how he almost went to Bournemouth."
Bruce is also poised to play Joe Willock after he secured the midfielder on loan from Arsenal.
He said: "He will be involved. He's young and enthusiastic and raring to go.
"He will give us that youthfulness that sometimes you need.
"We have been a little bit samey, he will bring a freshness to us.
"He has the ability to score a goal and we're delighted to get us."
