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.