Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic has warned Brendon Santalab to watch his on-field aggression as he prepares to make his return from a three-match ban.
Santalab hasn't played since being found guilty for striking Brisbane Roar defender Jade North last month.
"We don't want him to lose that passion and aggression but he's got to do it in a more controlled manner," Popovic told journalists on Friday.
"He understands it's a part of him. It's what makes him special. But that over-exuberance is all we've got to control.
"There's no malice when it comes to Brendon."
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Popovic said while Santalab had been "training like a player that wants to start", he was yet to decide whether the forward would be there from the kick-off or come off the bench.
But new loan recruit Terry Antonis was in the frame for a start.
"He was very close last week and that was his first full week of training. He's continued on this week and keeps looking better each day," Popovic said.
"If all goes well the next two days I expect him to certainly be a part of the squad and in contention for a start."
Newcastle will head into Sunday without Wayne Brown and Andrew Hoole.
"It looks like Kokko will come in and get his first start for a while and we'll be excited to see what he can do," coach Mark Jones said.
Morten Nordstrand has also been ruled out following a concussion in Sunday's game against Perth.
"So there's five days (break) from the last symptom and that takes him past the game," Jones said.
