Lambert, last season's 37-goal top scorer, missed Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Plymouth Argyle with a groin problem and although he is close to fitness, manager Alan Pardew would rather hold him back for Saturday's trip to MK Dons.
Pardew could stick with Lee Barnard and David Connolly in attack on Tuesday night although Adam Lallana provides another option after proving his fitness with a substitute appearance against Argyle following a knee injury.
Lee Holmes, Dan Seabourne, Joseph Mills and 16-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will come into contention if Pardew opts to make changes.
Full-back Frazer Richardson (shoulder) and midfielder Oscar Gobern (hip) are still sidelined.
