Newcastle United defender Sven Botman is in contention to return to the matchday squad for the Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
The Dutchman was rested for the FA Cup fifth round penalty shootout win over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday, an evening that saw Joe Willock start his first game since November while Elliot Anderson made his first outing in four months.
Alexander Isak also got through another hour following his comeback from a groin issue.
"Yeah we could see him [against Wolves]," said Howe on Botman. “Sven’s looking good. We just felt he would benefit more from training. He’s another player who has come back from a longer term injury back into the team.
"We just felt he needs more individualised training to hopefully get back to his very best levels."
On Willock and Isak, Howe added: “They’re getting there [to full fitness]. I think Alex will get there every game. His situation is slightly different to Joe [Willock].
"Alex has had a groin problem I think three times so naturally there is maybe a feeling that he needs confidence in his body and needs confidence physically with how he is performing in games.
"Prior to his last injury Aston Villa he was looking really good but out of nowhere really he felt something again. I think these two games have been really good for him to help him feel his body is strong. Certainly, his work behind the scenes has been good and I’d like to think he’ll improve from this point onwards.
"Joe’s slightly different just because of the length of time he’s been out. Of course we are trying to nurse him back to full fitness as quickly as possible. I think that’ll take a period of time before he gets back to his very best, it’s difficult to put a timeframe on it but he’s got qualities that even if he is not 100% fit that we need.
Meanwhile, Howe confirmed Matt Targett has returned to training but won't feature against Wolves. The left-back has been out since November after undergoing hamstring surgery.
Here's the 24 players available for Newcastle United against Wolves - and the six that remained sidelined.
1. Martin Dubravka - available
Was the hero in the last round against Blackburn with two saves in the penalty shootout.
2. Mark Gillespie - available
As fourth choice goalkeeper, Gillespie is unlikely to appear in the squad.
3. Loris Karius - available
The former Liverpool goalkeeper is back-up to Martin Dubravka.
4. Sven Botman - available
The Dutchman has struggled for form since returning from his knee injury in December.