Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez has been ruled out of the clash with West Brom on the final day of the Premier League season.
The 27-year-old picked up a minor knock in last Sunday's 2-2 Premier League draw at Chelsea and will not be risked by manager Alan Pardew as the Magpies attempt to end an already creditable campaign with a victory which could propel them into the top 10.
Gutierrez started in a supporting role to lone striker Shola Ameobi last weekend, with youngster Shane Ferguson occupying the Argentinian's more accustomed berth wide on the left.
And with Northern Irishman Ferguson having shaken off an ankle injury, he is likely to get another chance in the South American's absence.
Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "Unfortunately, Jonas is out of Sunday, but Shane Ferguson will be fit, so we do have a few options."
Gutierrez has fared much better in the top flight this time around than he did in his first campaign in English football, but has been linked with a move away from Tyneside this summer.
He has repeatedly insisted he is happy at St James' Park, but it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.
Pardew has already started drawing up his plans for a summer recruitment drive amid speculation that he will battle it out with a series of Premier League rivals for the signature of Wigan midfielder Charles N'Zogbia.
The Magpies attempted to prise the Frenchman, who left Tyneside for the Latics in February 2009, on the final day of the winter transfer window after accepting Liverpool's £35million bid for Andy Carroll.
They were unsuccessful on that occasion, but have continued to be impressed by N'Zogbia's form, which has been pivotal in giving his current employers a chance of avoiding relegation heading into Sunday's final round of fixtures.
But Newcastle would not be alone - Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, who took the winger to the DW Stadium, is also a long-term admirer, while N'Zogbia has also been linked with the likes of Juventus, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
While giving nothing away as to the identity of his targets, Pardew is confident he will add quality to his squad.
He said: "I would like to add the offensive players we need at this level - the kind of players who can get bums off seats.
"We are competing with Champions League clubs to get them, but hopefully we will get one or two in, and keep the basis of the squad we have got here."
