Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett is set to be left out of today's squad against Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite returning to training this week.
The 28-year-old hasn't featured since the 3-0 win at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in November after undergoing hamstring injury.
On Monday, Howe said Target was on "the tip of returning" alongside Elliot Anderson, who made his comeback by scoring a penalty in United's shootout win against Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Anderson is again set to be involved in the squad for the visit of Wolves, however Targett "might need a little more time" according to head coach Eddie Howe. "Yeah they're on a similar timescale, but different injuries," Howe told NewcastleWorld. "Matty might need a little more time to be back involved with the squad just due to the fact his injury was a muscle injury. But he is back training with the group."
Meanwhile, Sven Botman is in contention for a return to the matchday squad after being rested for the trip to Blackburn.
"Yeah we could see him," said Howe. “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."
Here's the latest team news from both Newcastle and Wolves ahead of this afternoon's 3pm kick-off.
1. Sandro Tonali - out
The Italian is banned from football until August following an investigation into illegal betting activity.
2. Joelinton - out
Joelinton underwent surgery on his groin last month and won't return until May the earliest.
3. Nick Pope - out
Newcastle have been without Pope since December after he underwent surgery on a dislocated shoulder.
4. Matt Targett - out
Targett underwent surgery on his hamstring in November. He has returned to training but isn't yet ready for the matchday squad.