EDDIE HOWE claims he has been “backed into a difficult position” by Newcastle United’s injury problems, with yesterday’s 4-1 thrashing at Tottenham providing a depressing end to a difficult week.

Howe opted to name an unchanged outfield line-up for the fifth time in 15 days as his side were well beaten by a Spurs side that scored through Richarlison (2), Destiny Udogie and an inspired Son Heung-min.

Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson made welcome returns from injury as second-half substitutes and could be available to start Wednesday’s crucial Champions League decider against AC Milan.

But Howe admits the current situation is far from ideal, with the fixture list showing no sign of easing in the remainder of the year.

“You want to make changes that benefit the team, not ones that don’t benefit the team, so I’ve got to try to make those decisions and get them right,” said Howe, whose side are now seventh in the table, seven points adrift of the top four. “I’ve been backed into a very difficult position with the team selection, and even in-game decisions.

“Today, it would have been very easy to say, ‘Well, you’ve got Sean and Callum – put them on the pitch’. But they’re not 100 per cent fit, so I’ve got to be very careful with them. Thankfully, they came through and I thought their performances were very good when they came on, and that’s a big positive for us.

“I think they’ll be better for today – it was a good 30 minutes for them – but we’ll have to take it game by game and it’s a difficult one to predict what role they could play on Wednesday.”

Howe will have to make a change for Newcastle next league game against an in-form Fulham, with Trippier suspended for Saturday’s St James’ Park showdown after picking up his fifth booking of the season yesterday.

“It’s a huge blow for us,” said the Newcastle boss. “I said after the Everton game that Kieran sets the standard for us really in terms of getting a level, consistent performance. We’re going to miss his quality.

“When he’s part of your biggest attacking threat every week, he’s a very difficult one to leave out. Even today, Kieran had his moments where he produced some really good crosses, especially in the second half. He’s just an outstanding technician, and we will certainly miss him against Fulham.”

Lewis Hall could come into the side against Fulham, with Howe having explained his reluctance to turn to the Chelsea loanee despite being so short of options in recent weeks.

“I think Tino’s (Livramento) been excellent at left-back,” he said. “And Kieran’s got his obvious qualities at right-back. That would be the reason. Lewis, when he comes on, has to perform well.”