Ashley hoped to make drastic cuts in player's wages, putting a cap on wages for new contracts, and that was the first stumbling block in Michael Owen refusing to sign a new deal.
Viduka is one of the biggest earners at the club, but we have rarely had value for money from him.
The Australia international has not made a senior appearance since facing Chelsea in the penultimate game of last season, but has finally returned to training after an Achilles operation in the summer.
He will not be considered for the first team for at least three weeks.
Kinnear: "It's great to have Mark Viduka around the place again.
"He's a top, top player and he's given everyone a lift just by joining in with the sessions again.
"But there is no way he will be involved against Chelsea.
"We've waited so long for him to come back, it would be ludicrous to rush him straight into the side when he isn't match fit. He's not too far away, but we have to be patient.
"It'll be another couple of weeks yet I'd imagine.
"I'm actually spoilt for choice with the strikers really, particularly now we are getting key players like Michael and Mark back.
"I haven't forgotten about Alan Smith either who is another quality player in that department. He's probably another six weeks away yet, but hopefully we'll see him in a Newcastle shirt again before the end of the year."