And THAT is what Sam Allardyce has to face now that all the long-term injury problems are clearing up.
First up is Alan Smith, who was suspended for the Spurs game but didn't get an immediate recall when his ban was up.
Alan Smith: "I definitely hope to start the next game.
Smith - 'I Didn't Come Here To Sit On The Bench'!
"I want to play every game - I didn't come here not to play.
"I feel I'm good enough to play in this team and the manager knows how I feel.
"When you have been suspended and the team has won, you have to take it on the chin.
"You then have to get on with it. It's only made me more determined to do well for Newcastle.
"We're up and down at the moment. We've had games against West Ham when we've won, then Man City (a 3-1 loss).
"Of course we beat Everton and Spurs, and then we go to Reading and lose. It looked like we were a totally different team at Reading.
"Nobody can put their finger on it, but collectively as a team we must work on that and make sure we come out the other side.
"Portsmouth are a good team and they have some good players. It'll be difficult, but we don't fear anybody - especially at St James's Park.
"Our away games have been bad and that means your home games become more and more vital.
"We can't keep relying on your home form to get us out of trouble."