Newcastle boss Eddie Howe explained benching Callum Wilson for defeat at Liverpool.
Howe rested top scorer Wilson at Anfield and played Allan Saint-Maximin as the lone striker until the Frenchman was forced off with an injury 11 minutes from time.
Wilson will return for Sunday's visit of Manchester City but there is a doubt whether Saint-Maximin will be fit.
“With Maxi, he took a really nasty tackle. I'm not sure whether the injury is related to that tackle or if it's more muscular," said Howe.
“I did try to speak to him as he came off but I didn't get clarification on what that was.
“Fingers crossed for him as he's such a big player for us. We don't want to lose him for any amount of time."
Newcastle will definitely be without left-back Jamal Lewis, who appeared to injure a hamstring.
“It is not the time of year for us to lose players and, fingers crossed, it is only Jamal who will go into the Christmas period in any doubt."
On the decision to bench Wilson, Howe added: “We felt it was the moment where we could give Callum a rest and protect him.
“I know how important he is for the team and it was trying to manage his minutes.
“There is no guarantee, even if you manage the minutes, you keep him fit but it was that moment for Callum."
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