Newcastle United were without a staggering 13 senior players for Saturday's Premier League victory over Chelsea at St James' Park.
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. Nick Pope - shoulder
Pope dislocated his shoulder in the Premier League win over Man Utd but is recovering ahead of schedule. Possible return date: Mid to late March 2024.
2. Sandro Tonali - banned
Tonali is suspended from football until August 2024 following an investigation into illegal betting activity. Possible return date: August 2024.
3. Joelinton - thigh
Joelinton underwent thigh surgery last month and won't return until May at the earliest. Possible return date: May 2024.
4. Matt Targett - hamstring
Targett underwent hamstring surgery early December. Could return to training in the next couple of weeks. Possible return date: Wolves (H) 02/03.