Steve Bruce has insisted he has a major dilemma on his hands as Martin Dubravka edges back to full fitness after a heel injury.
The Slovakia stopper was injured in pre-season training and is yet to play this term with Karl Darlow proving to be more than a capable deputy.
Dubravka is back in training but did not get close enough to selection for the 1-0 defeat at Brentford in the League Cup.
Bruce said: "He's not far away from illness and injury.
"We hope that he will be able to join in for the next week or so.
"There's no disputing that Karl has been arguably our best player at the moment.
"That competition is always healthy and good. It's good to see Martin back."
Darlow is likely to be picked on form anyway against Man City as Newcastle head to the Etihad Stadium on Boxing night knowing they have the toughest of tasks on their hands.
He said: "That's the Premier League - that's what it is.
"That's what makes it what it is. We managed to get a result against them last year (2-2) and then got heavily beaten at the Etihad.
"We're playing against one of the great Premier League teams.
"Let's dust ourselves down and get ready for a huge challenge."
