Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey will miss the Boxing Day clash with Sheffield Wednesday after deciding not to appeal against his five-game ban.
The England international was handed the suspension and a B£100,000 after an independent regulatory commission found an FA misconduct charge - which he denied - proven, but while he continues to protest his innocence, he has opted against challenging the decision in an effort to minimise the disruption to his club.
Manager Rafael Benitez otherwise has no fresh selection issues as the leaders attempt to extend their one-point advantage of Brighton with midfielder Jack Colback hopeful of returning from an eye problem which has sidelined him since last month.
Jonjo Shelvey banned for Newcastle on Boxing Day
