Newcastle have a number of selection problems to contend with for the daunting trip to St Jakob Park to face Basel.
Sir Bobby Robson's men will be keen not to join Liverpool and Celtic in suffering European exits at the hands of the Swiss.
Newcastle will be without key trio Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy and Jonathan Woodgate through injury.
Titus Bramble is likely to continue in defence alongside Andy O'Brien in Woodgate's absence, while Shola Ameobi will partner Alan Shearer in attack.
Defender Andy Griffin has been ruled out of the squad with a hamstring problem and Lee Bowyer is still missing as he serves his European suspension.
Greek defender Nikos Dabizas and young striker Michael Chopra have both been added to the squad as Robson keeps all his options open.
Basel go into the game in fine form as they currently lead the Swiss super league by a massive 12 points having won 15 of their 16 games.
The home side also have injury problems of their own with midfield star Antonio Esposito sidelined with a thigh injury and Benjamin Huggel out with broken ribs.
Basel v Newcastle preview
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