Newcastle United will hope to welcome back Alexander Isak and Joe Willock for Saturday evening's Premier League clash away to Arsenal (kick-off 8pm).
The Magpies have been without club-record signing Isak for the last three matches because of a reccuring groin issue, while Willock has been sidelined since November with an Achilles issue.
Howe admitted the pair were "close" to making the squad for yesterday's 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, which suggests a return for the trip to the Emirates next week is on the cards.
Isak's absence means Newcastle are currently without a recognised senior striker after Callum Wilson underwent surgery on a pectoral muscle injury on Friday. Against the Cherries, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and substitute Jacob Murphy all rotated as the central striker.
Gordon scored from the penalty spot before Matt Ritchie scored a 92nd equaliser after Bournemouth twice led through Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo.
Howe told NewcastleWorld: "We were searching in the game to try and get a better balance to the team. We looked at different players in different positions to see if the match-ups would work better. It wasn't ideal. You're going to miss someone of Alex's qualities.
"He was close but not close enough, same as Joe Willock. Fingers crossed in the not too distant future they can play an important part for us."
Howe added: "We don't have a recognised striker but Anthony did OK, he did well, he had a couple of chances to score and will probably be a bit frustrated with the one on one he had.
"The goalkeeper has done well to come out so quick. That was probably his best chance, and the header early on. He gave us a different dimension, he did very well."
. Newcastle United's Swedish striker #14 Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on September 30, 2023. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
1. Fabian Schar - hamstring
Schar felt tightness in his hamstring against Sheffield United, which forced him to withdraw at half-time. Possible return date: Burnley (A) 04/05. | Getty Images
2. Sven Botman - ACL
The Dutchman has been ruled out for six to nine months after undergoing surgery on his knee. Possible return date: December 2024. | Getty Images
3. Matt Targett - Achilles
Targett is sidelined for the rest of the season with an Achilles issue having only just returned from four months out. Possible return date: 2024-25 season. | Getty Images
4. Jamaal Lascelles - ACL
Lascelles sustained an ACL injury against West Ham and will be sidelined for six to nine months. Possible return date: December 2024. | AFP via Getty Images