Newcastle's Champions League opponents Inter Milan headed for England without two key men for their showdown with Sir Bobby Robson's side.
Former Arsenal defender Nelson Vivas and Portuguese international Sergio Conceicao, who both started Saturday's 1-0 defeat by derby rivals AC Milan at the San Siro, were not among the 19-strong party which set off for Tyneside.
Conceicao, once linked with Necastle, has tendinitis while Argentinian Vivas misses out with a knee problem.
However, Robson's men, who are themselves waiting on the fitness of striker Craig Bellamy, will be more concerned with the men who did board the plane.
The 69-year-old knows all about Uruguayan striker Alvaro Recoba after trying to bring him to St James' Park on loan during his early days at the club, while fellow strikers Hernan Crespo and Christian Vieri need no introduction.