Magpies boss Eddie Howe was able to name a strong starting XI and that showed as his players surged to a 4-1 win following goals from Alexander Isak, Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon.
But it was a lack of options on the bench that really highlighted the club’s current selection crisis as Howe named a nine-man bench consisting of three goalkeepers, four under-21s players, plus the experienced Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie.
Indeed, Newcastle’s absentee list increased by two before kick-off after news broke of Joe Willock’s fresh Achilles injury, while Emil Krafth was left out of the matchday squad because of illness.
“To be able to come together and give a performance like that speaks volumes for the character of the players we have, the leaders we have in the group and our ability to just focus on the present, on what’s happening right now,” said Howe.
“You look at the players who were missing and that was a giant performance from the players we have fit.”
Here, NewcastleWorld takes you through the list of players unavailable and when they could return to action:
1. Sandro Tonali – banned
Tonali is suspended from football until August 2024 following an investigation into illegal betting activity. Expected return date: August 2024.
2. Lewis Hall – ineligible
The 19-year-old left-back was ineligible to feature against parent club Chelsea. Expected return date: Paris Saint-Germain (A) 28/11
3. Elliot Anderson – back
Anderson is out until December because of a back problem. Possible return date: Luton Town (A) 23/12
4. Javier Manquillo – groin
Manquillo is currently sidelined with a groin issue. Expected return date: Unknown
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