Eddie Howe admits that Newcastle United are always going to "suffer" without big names like Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin.
The absence of the trio has coincided with the winless streak in the Premier League being extended to five matches. But Howe will be aiming to end that sequence, which only contains one defeat, against his old club AFC Bournemouth at the weekend.
Howe has always stated that the loss of players through injuries offers opportunities for others. Yet he is realistic enough to admit that without key men, Newcastle remain up against it.
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This is largely due to the fact that the squad is still very much at a rebuilding stage with the long-term aim to have 22 players of top notch standard fighting for 11 shirts.
Howe said: "It's hypothetical, but yes, I think we have got a higher chance of winning the game because they're top quality players. You take those three players out of any team and the team will suffer – that's why they are so important to us.
"When you're looking for that moment of magic and brilliance to win us the game. I thought the moments were there, it was just the finish was missing, even right to the end (against Crystal Palace)."
Howe will update fans on the fitness levels of Saint-Maximin, Bruno and Wilson on Friday morning at his next scheduled Press briefing.
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