Rafa Benitez today revealed that the Newcastle United striker is battling to be fit to play at Deepdale.
Gayle is the club's leading scorer with 11 goals.
Benitez said: "Gayle is a big doubt."
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Aleksandar Mitrovic – who scored twice in Tuesday night's 6-0 EFL Cup win over Preston – could deputise.
Defender Chancel Mbemba also has a "little problem", according to United manager Benitez.
Midfielder Jack Colback – who had stitches in a head wound suffered in the cup win – will not be involved.
Meanwhile, Achraf Lazaar, Jesus Gamez, Massadio Haidara and Rob Elliot are close to a return from their respective injuries.
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