The Magpies crashed to their eighth defeat in the last 11 league games as Adrien Truffert’s 85th-minute winner enabled Bournemouth to take all three points at St James’ Park.
The St James’ Park crowd had been chanting for Woltemade’s introduction midway through the second half, only for Will Osula’s equaliser to shift the narrative.
However, Newcastle could have done with some added attacking threat as they tried to score a second, with Woltemade’s belated introduction coming too late to change the course of the game once Bournemouth had reclaimed their lead.
“He [Woltemade] could have come on earlier,” said Howe. “I was potentially going to bring him on just before we scored, but the goal made me change my decision. That’s often the way – the scoreline can change your decision-making in that moment.
READ MORE:
The St James' Park reaction that spells trouble for Eddie Howe after latest Newcastle loss
Player Ratings: The Newcastle player who was 'remarkably poor' and one who was 'much too passive' in loss
'Big blow' for Tino Livramento - and Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall latest
“I thought Nick did okay when he came on. Of course, I want him on as much as anyone else, but I’ve always got to do what I think is right for the team in that moment.”
Woltemade has not started either of Newcastle’s last two matches, both of which have ended in a defeat, with Howe preferring Osula to both the German international and Yoane Wissa.
Osula has responded with two goals in two games, but Howe insists he has not written off Woltemade, who made a club-record £69m move from Stuttgart last summer.
“Of course, we try to make every player work regardless of the name or the individual,” said the Magpies boss. “I want every player to feel part of what we’re doing and feel they’ve got an opportunity to play.
“But there is a big demand on Nick when he comes on to the pitch that he has to perform – I thought he did okay today.
“But I can only pick, with the system that I play currently, one striker and that at the moment is Will, and I think he’s justified that in the two games. I can’t play everybody as much as I’d like to.”