Potential new signing Sebastien Bassong, targeted by Harry Redknapp because of a defensive crisis at the club, is to miss the first two games of the season.
The French born defender, who wants to represent Cameroon, looks set to move to White Hart Lane for £8m.
He joins to compensate for injuries to Jonathan Woodgate, Michael Dawson and Ledley King, which means Harry faces starting the first game of the new season without any recognised centre-backs.
However, Bassong will not line up against Liverpool or Hull because he is suspended.
The former Metz player will miss the first two games of the season following the red card he received during Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham in May.
Meanwhile both the player and Harry have confirmed a deal is in the offing.
Bassong told local paper the Evening Chronicle: “I have always said that I wanted to play in the Premier League and that wasn’t possible with Newcastle.
“It was not good for my career to be at a Championship club.
“I want to play in future World Cups and African Cup of Nations competitions with Cameroon.
“That is made more difficult if you are not playing at the higher level.”
When asked about the deal, Redknapp said: “The chairman (Daniel Levy) is talking with Newcastle.
“I don’t get involved on that side of it. I identify a player and the chairman does everything else.
“If the chairman tells me we’ve got him, I’ll be delighted.”