Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe claims that Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett did not play this week out of risk for injuries.
Both were left out of the Magpies' 8-0 thumping at the hands of the Australian A-League All-Stars.
The post-season friendly is a controversial one that many fans did not feel should have occurred.
Howe told Chronicle Live in Melbourne on the duo: "They are out of contract. So for obvious reasons, it would have been a big risk with no contract offer for them at the moment.
"A lot of is riding on the FA Cup final for the club [who wins between Man Utd and Man City will determine which European competition Newcastle play next season].
In terms of revenue for next year and European qualification will be massive for us. I am sure that will play a part in the futures of the two players we are speaking about."