Newcastle legend Alan Shearer feels the team is looking flat.
Shearer believes fatigue caught up with them for defeat at Bournemouth.
He told BBC Sport: "Saturday's defeat at Bournemouth was their first in the league since 2 September but it looked a game too far for them, and they weren't anywhere near their best.
"Eddie Howe's side have got a lot of injuries and suspensions to contend with but they didn't deserve anything against the Cherries, who were the better team from start to finish. Newcastle looked really flat and very tired, and they probably need the international break more than anyone in terms of resting some players and getting others back to fitness.
"It was always going to be a big ask for them to cope with Champions League football and challenge for the top four again. They are still giving it a good go, and have reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals too, but at the moment it looks like fighting on three fronts has caught up with them."