Steve Bruce is sweating on the fitness of two his key men ahead of the clash against West Ham United.
The Saturday night showdown at the London Stadium will kick off the season for Newcastle, but it remains to be seen whether Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey are declared fit.
When asked about the duo, Bruce said: "They're touch and go.
"Matt’s got a calf and we think it’s from a kick. We’ll see how he is.
"It's the same with Jonjo. Jonjo hurt his knee a little bit.
"I think he’s going to be OK."
After a week of talk that Ritchie could be heading to AFC Bournemouth, who wanted their former winger to bolster a promotion drive on the South Coast, Bruce says he would prefer to hold on to the dressing room influencer.
Ritchie only signed a new contract extension in March.
He said: "He’s here - he stays here.
"He wasn’t part of the deal. I’m delighted about that.
"I like Matt Ritchie around the place. He’s been a fans’ favourite and I understand it.”
