Newcastle will give Sven Botman a late fitness test ahead of the visit of Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
The defender was forced off early in the second half against Fulham at the weekend with a head injury, which required staples to close, but did not suffer a concussion, so is available to face Spurs if passed fit.
Elsewhere, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Yoane Wissa and Harrison Ashby all remain sidelined.
Howe told reporters: “Sven has no concussion, it was a cut, a bad cut, which he had stapled together,” Howe explained. “He didn’t train yesterday, but we will see how he is today.
“Lewis [Hall] is the closest to coming back out of those injured, but this game will come too quickly for him. Tino is still on track, we are looking at the Manchester City game for him for when he can be available for."
Howe has confirmed that a number of fringe players will be given opportunities as they “need the football,” so the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Joe Willock could come in. Anthony Elanga has endured a miserable start to the season and needs minutes.
Striker Nick Woltemade has hit the ground running this season, a rarity for a big summer signing in the Premier League this season, but could be rested to give William Osula a chance.
He added: “It is important for this game to make the right decision; we want to progress. The competition means a lot to us, we are current holders, we don't want to give that up easily. However, I have a squad, I need to try and get the balance right, there are players who need the football."
