Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up for the Champions League clash with Inter Milan despite dislocating a finger in training.
Steve Harper and 17-year-old Adam Bartlett are standing by as the Donegal man attempts to prove his fitness.
Gary Speed (ankle) and Nolberto Solano and Hugo Viana (both virus) are also hoping to be available.
New signing Jonathan Woodgate is ineligible and Andy O'Brien is likely to get the nod alongside Titus Bramble in central defence; Craig Bellamy returns to European action after serving a three-match ban.
Provisional Squad: Given, Harper, Bartlett, Griffin, Hughes, Bernard, Bramble, O'Brien, Caldwell, Dabizas, Speed, Dyer, Robert, Solano, Jenas, Viana, Acuna, Kerr, Shearer, Bellamy, Ameobi, LuaLua.