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."
1. Sandro Tonali - banned
Tonali is suspended from football until August following an investigation into illegal betting activity. Possible return date: August 2024.
2. Tino Livramento - ankle
Livramento missed the FA Cup exit to Man City before the international break with an ankle knock and sustained a similar injury against West Ham. Possible return date: Burnley (A) 04/05
3. Callim Wilson - pectoral muscle
The Newcastle No.9 underwent surgery on his pectoral muscle and won't return until the latter part of the season. Possible return date: Burnley (A) 04/05.
4. 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.