Eddie Howe stated clearly after the 2-1 loss to Sheffield Wednesday that it wasn't possible to name his strongest XI for the third time in seven days.
Newcastle United faced Arsenal last Tuesday, the Owls on Saturday night and square up to Leicester again this Tuesday on the back of a heavy festive programme. Howe admitted after the game his squad can also look stretched when high profile injuries kick in, such as Allan Saint-Maximin who missed the tie at Hillsborough.
Howe said: "We're aware that we don't have the deepest squad, particularly in the Premier League. We are light on numbers and high quality injuries will dictate how stretched you feel.
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"We gave an opportunity to a lot of players who hadn't played this season. I thought there were some positives and negatives within their performances. I think it is better that I analyse that in the cold light of day rather than with emotion."
And when talking about his team selection on the night and looking ahead, Howe said: "You pick it looking ahead and future games of course. We have a very quick turnaround for Leicester and a late kick off.
"I felt I saw some fatigue in the Arsenal performance. It would have been unwise for me to pick the same team (as Arsenal) and then for Leicester again. I’m not sure the lads were physically able to give their best. If I did that, hence the changes."
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