Tau was recalled from his loan spell in Belgium this week and Albion head coach Graham Potter must decide whether to use the South Africa international from the start or from the bench.
Brighton have a few injury concerns ahead of the match with Tariq Lamptey (hamstring), Aaron Connolly (hamstring), Danny Welbeck (knee), Steven Alzate (illness) and Adam Lallana (illness) all likely to miss out.
Potter could also hand opportunities for the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Ali Jahanbakhsh.
Scroll down and click through to see who could start for Albion at Rodney Parade.
5. Bernardo
The left sided Brazilian has struggled for game time this season. Solly March will likely be rested for this and Bernardo could well be called upon at Newport
6. Alireza Jahanbakhsh
Plenty of speculation surrounding the Iranian's future this January. Lack of minutes this season and he expressed his frustration to Iranian media earlier this week. Played well in the Carabao matches earlier this season and expected to be included for this one
7. Pascal Gross
The experienced German will likely take his place in central midfield. With Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster likely to be rested, Gross could even be made skipper for this one
8. Yves Bissouma
Tough call here between Bissouma or Davy Propper. I expect Bissouma to get the nod as he is suspended for Wednesday's trip to Man City. Propper is still easing his way back to fitness and may well be rested ahead of the Etihad