Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle could start, having made his return from a hamstring injury as a substitute in the Magpies' 2-2 draw with Norwich.
Isaac Hayden misses out with an ankle injury, while Vurnon Anita (ankle) and Rolando Aarons (knee) remain out.
Aston Villa full-backs Neil Taylor (ankle) and James Bree (knee) are both doubts for the trip to St James' Park.
Midfielder Mile Jedinak may feature after missing the past five games with a groin injury.
Villa striker Libor Kozak, whose last first-team appearance was in August, will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.