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Steve Lomas has had shin problems for several weeks, and has only featured in the first half of the opening friendly of the season against Leyton Orient. He is apparently able to play now, but is not either match fit or sharp.
Paolo meanwhile has only played 65 minutes of football - against Southend United - since the Charlton match in April. He will be back by the beginning of September, and maybe even before.
With Paolo and Steve injured, David James will be the captain for the day, as he has been in recent friendlies. Glenn says of James: "He has been captain the last few days. He carries a lot of respect and he is one of the biggest players at the football club. He considers it an honour, a responsibility he feels he can carry and won't affect his game."
With Paolo and Steve out, the team that will start at St. James' Park is uncertain. Defensively, Glenn has options, with Winterburn, Labant, Pearce, Repka, Dailly, Breen and Schemmel all available. In the midfield, his choice isn't quite so appetising, following the England trio of Sinclair, Cole and Carrick.
Lomas or Cisse are the obivious candidates, but neither are match fit, and Don Hutchison is still out for the forseeable future - although he has been invited to train with the Scotland squad.
Up front Jermain and Fredi will lead the attack, in what could be a prolific pairing for the season. Indeed - Paolo may well struggle to break back into the side when he eventually returns from injury.