The German forward, who joined from Stuttgart last summer for €75 million, watched on as Newcastle slipped to a 2-1 loss, deepening concerns over their form this season.
Woltemade made a promising start to life in the Premier League, but his momentum has stalled in recent months, with the 24-year-old enduring a prolonged goal drought.
Speaking after the match, Howe was clear when addressing questions over the striker’s absence from the starting line-up.
“I don't pick the team based on transfer fees, but on what I see,” he told Chronicle Live.
The Newcastle boss has increasingly deployed Woltemade in a deeper role, a tactical shift that has coincided with his struggles in front of goal.
While the move has added versatility to his game, it has also reduced his impact in the attacking areas where he was expected to deliver consistently.
His situation has not gone unnoticed across Europe, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both reported to be monitoring developments ahead of the summer transfer window.
Newcastle’s wider struggles have only intensified the spotlight, with the club currently sitting 14th in the Premier League and in danger of missing out on European qualification.
Woltemade is not the only forward under scrutiny, with Yoane Wissa also failing to meet expectations since his €58 million arrival.
The combination of underperforming signings and inconsistent results has left Howe facing difficult decisions as he looks to revive the campaign.
Should results fail to improve, a significant squad reshuffle could follow in the summer, with several high-profile players potentially facing uncertain futures.
For Woltemade, the immediate challenge is to force his way back into the starting line-up and rediscover the form that convinced Newcastle to invest so heavily in him.