Sunderland coach Steve Bruce will revert to his strongest possible line up for the clash with Newcastle and Asamoah Gyan is almost certain to start this weekend.
The club's record signing was given leave of absence last weekend and took the opportunity to go home to visit family.
After the side's humbling home defeat to Notts County in the FA Cup third round, Sunderland are keen to bounce back.
As long as Gyan has recovered from his niggling injury problems he is sure to start against Newcastle.
Fellow striker Danny Welbeck is out with a torn hamstring so Darren Bent will partner Gyan up front.
David Meyler is out having damaged his cruciate ligament at Aston Villa and he is joined on the sidelines by skipper Lee Cattermole (back), Michael Turner and Fraizer Campbell (both knee), Nedum Onuoha (hamstring) and John Mensah (ankle).