Jan Paul van Hecke is expected to return at Newcastle - but do Albion face a decision at left-back?

Head coach Fabian Huerzeler revealed on Thursday that van Hecke is available after injury for the Tyneside test.

He also spoke about the qualities the Seagulls have missed during the Dutchman’s relatively brief absence.

But he had yet to catch up with Pervis Estupinan, who had a tiring trip to South America on international duty.

Estupinan played twice and had a full part in helping Ecuador to a hard-earned 0-0 draw with Uruguay in Montevideo, which finished at about 2am on Wednesday, our time.

He looked back to his best in the final 45 minutes before the international window and appears to have backed that up with his country, being named in the CONMEBOL ideal XI from the last two rounds of qualifiers.

If he is not considered ready to start, Huerzeler has the option of Ferdi Kadioglu or he could go for Jack Hinshelwood in that role.

Hinshelwood has come through initially tough tests at left-back away to both Everton and Arsenal and, with help of team-mates, has found a way of overcoming early difficulties.

That might lead to Mats Wieffer, who had a decent 45 minutes for Holland in Germany, starting in midfield.

Further forward, Huerzeler confirmed the availability of Simon Adingra and Georginio Rutter, despite missing international action.

Yankuba Minteh appears favourite to start on the right although, again, any fatigue from international travel will be a factor with him and fellow winger Kaoru Mitoma.

Brajan Gruda now appears an option off the bench while Julio Enciso, who shone at Newcastle towards the end of last season, will be assessed after an eventful international trip.

Joel Veltman, who scored and was injured on his last trip to St James’s Park, is among the more probable starters.

Albion possible XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood; Wieffer, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.