Blackburn midfielder David Dunn is expected to return after a hip injury but striker Yakubu is suspended.
Chris Samba's involvement is in doubt after the defender handed in a transfer request last week.
Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye could figure after the club decided to contest his three-match ban.
Fabricio Coloccini returns after a groin strain but Demba Ba and new signing Papiss Cisse are not yet back from international duty.
Blackburn's respite from the relegation zone may have proved brief but their return of seven points from the last 12 available at least suggests they might be on the road to recovery.
However, with trips to Arsenal and Manchester City among their next three games after this one, they could find themselves in a relegation cul-de-sac unless they get something from Newcastle's visit on Wednesday evening.
Rovers should at least be fresh after having the FA Cup weekend off, although it will no doubt be a relief for Steve Kean to get back to on-pitch matters after a month of transfer speculation over his higher-profile players, including want-away captain Christopher Samba.
After stumbling through December, Newcastle appeared to be back on form with three wins from four league matches but their two most recent games have seen them thumped 5-2 by Fulham and dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship side Brighton.
To add insult to injury, influential midfielder Yohan Cabaye faces a three-match ban after being retrospectively charged with violent conduct by the FA for a challenge during the defeat at Brighton.
Manager Alan Pardew rued Newcastle's lack of goal threat after the game - that should be eased by the unexpected early exit of Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, which will mean the swift return of top scorer Demba Ba and an early arrival for £10m signing Papiss Cisse, although the pair will not be ready to face Blackburn.
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