Eddie Howe and Unai Emery have some selection issues to address for the opening game of the new season
Sven Botman and Joe Willock of Newcastle United
Sven Botma's fitness will be assessed while Joe Willock will miss the game at Aston Villa
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Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe will be without two first-team players when the Magpies get their season uinder way against Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.
After all the transfer talk of the last few months, the real business on the pitch begins this weekend, with United facing a tough opener at Villa Park before champions Liverpool come to St James' Park a week on Monday.
To date, Howe has three new faces in his squad, although Malick Thiaw's arrival earlier this week may mean he's not considered for a start at this stage.
Aaron Ramsdale will challenge Nick Pope for the goalkeeper slot, while Anthony Elanga comes into the equation on the right flank, with Jacob Murphy also competing for a place.
Howe knows he will be missing two men, with Joe Willock's groin inury picked up in South Korea likely to keep him out until September.
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It's not as bad as was initially feared, but with Sean Longstaff sold to Leeds United, the timing couldn't have been much worse for United and the former Arsenal man.
Of course the other missing face will be wantaway striker Alexander Isak. Howe feels he is not able to select the Swedish frontman due to his transfer stance, with Liverpool yet to return with a second offer.
It will leave Anthony Gordon as United's main goal threat, although he will be checked after picking up an ankle injury against Atletico Madrid last Saturday.
The England star is expected to be passed fit, as are Sven Botman and Lewis Hall, who are continuing their recovery from injuries.
Hall's foot problem ended his season early back in February, but he has since made several appearances over the summer and should be in the squad this weekend.
Similarly, Botman played the first 45 minutes against Atletico without any problems, so it's more a case of building fitness for the pair.
Villa boss Unai Emery has some concerns too, but could be handed a boost with the news that forward Morgan Rogers has shaken off an ankle inujury to return to training.
England star Rogers was stretchered off against Roma earlier this month but could be back in contention for the Villa Park showdown this weekend.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez will sit out the game through suspension after picking up a red card against Manchester United on the final day of last season.
The Argentinian World Cup winner will likely be replaced by 34-year-old Marco Bizot, a summer signing from French club Brest.
Former Chelsea and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is expected to miss the game through injury, as is right-back Andres Garcia.
Newcastle are close to signing Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with the 24-year-old not expected to be in the Villa squad should his move not be confirmed before this weekend's match.
He is also unlikely to feature for Newcastle given his lack of training time with his potential new team-mates.