Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed that the club are hoping to keep hold of Demba Ba and Cheick Tiote "for as long as possible".
Both players have been selected to take part in the African Cup of Nations, a competition that is played through parts of January and February.
Pardew has described it as "important" that the duo do not leave the Sports Direct Arena until necessary.
"It is important for us to keep the African Cup players for as long as possible," the boss told Sky Sports News.
"We feel that Demba could possibly stay until January 15 and we're hoping that Cheick does as well.
"The scheduling isn't great for us but we knew about it before the start of the season so we're not going to moan about it."
The Magpies entertain West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening.
