Eddie Howe said it himself, the two-week international break couldn't have come at a better time for his wounded Newcastle United side.
Battered, bruised and depleted - all of that came to head on the South Coast as the Magpies' seven-game unbeaten in the Premier League was ended by lowly AFC Bournemouth.
A former Howe signing, Dominic Solanke, was at the double as Newcastle now look to regroup, refocus and recharge the batteries in the midst of a relentless fixture list that has no end in sight.
Ahead of their visit to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening, the Magpies were without a staggering 12 senior players with a hamstring injury for Callum Wilson the latest blow.
Or at least it was the latest blow. Half an hour in versus Bournemouth, Miguel Almiron was forced to depart. Howe hopes his hamstring issue isn't serious but given the number of long-term injuries he has, concern is high.
There is, however, hope a couple of players will return against Chelsea on November 25. Here, NewcastleWorld takes you through Newcastle's absentee list and each player's possible return date:
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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. Dan Burn - back
The Blyth-born defender fell heavily on his back in the second half against Chelsea. Possible return date: Manchester City (A) 16/03.