Phil Bardsley's next yellow card will trigger a one-match ban - and potentially another defensive reshuffle for manager Steve Bruce.
The right-back picked up his fourth booking of the season during the 1-0 win over Arsenal, meaning he will be suspended should he pick up another.
Both Lorik Cana and Michael Turner have missed games recently under the totting-up rule, while Kenwyne Jones is also banned. The striker will return following Saturday's game against Wigan.
Should Bardsley trigger a suspension, Bruce is well-stocked in defence with Turner, John Mensah, Paulo Da Silva, George McCartney, Anton Ferdinand and Nyron Nosworthy all available.
