Newcastle United were without 11 senior players for 3-2 defeat to Premier League champions Manchester City last time out - but Eddie Howe is hoping for positive news on the injury front in the coming weeks.
The Magpies were leading 2-1 with 16 minutes to go after goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon cancelled out Bernardo Silva's opener. City, however, fought back as Kevin de Bruyne equalised before the Belgian set up Oscar Bobb's 91st-minute winner.
Both de Bruyne and Bobb were substitutes introduced by Pep Guardiola in the second half. United boss Howe made just one change as Lewis Hall replaced Anthony Gordon in the 86th minute.
With a bench consisting of two goalkeepers, two youngsters, four defenders and one wide player, Howe - not for the first time this season - felt he couldn't turn to his substitutes in order to impact the game.
It has left Howe desperate to get some of his attacking players back from injury.
He said after the game: “I think it's just the ability to bring on players that can execute what you want them to do to the maximum of their ability. We've got some incredible athletes missing at the moment that would have given us another gear or couple of gears today.
“And also there's a psychological impact of not having those players available to the players that are playing that is sometimes under-estimated.”
Newcastle aren't in action this weekend because of the Premier League winter break but focus has already turned to next Saturday's FA Cup fourth round meeting at Fulham.
When will Howe begin to welcome players back from the treatment room Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at Newcastle's injury list in full and each player's possible return date:
1. Sandro Tonali - banned
Tonali is suspended from football until August 2024 following an investigation into illegal betting activity. Possible return date: August 2024.
2. Joelinton - thigh
Joelinton underwent thigh surgery last month and won't return until May at the earliest. Possible return date: May 2024.
3. Callim Wilson - pectoral muscle
The Newcastle No.9 underwent surgery on his pectoral muscle and won't return until the latter part of the season. Possible return date: April/ May 2024.
4. Nick Pope - shoulder
Pope dislocated his shoulder in the Premier League win over Man Utd but is recovering ahead of schedule. Possible return date: West Ham United (H) 30/03.