In the absence of their main point man, Howe stated, “Our job is to refuel & regroup” before their encounter with Brentford.

Howe’s side earned a spirited 3-3 draw against table-topping Liverpool at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.

But the draw came at a cost, with goalscorer Anthony Gordon being forced off with cramp.

Alexander Isak, who was a doubt for the game, was also suffering with cramp but managed to play the full 90 minutes.

Newcastle face Brentford in north-west London this weekend and the Bees have one of the strongest home records in the division.

And Howe admits there may be enforced changes to his starting XI.

‘Our job is to refuel & regroup,’ said Howe.

‘We need to find the right balance between change & consistency.’

It could mean starts for Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes, while Joe Willock or Sean Longstaff could come into midfield.