Newcastle United welcomed back Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff back from injury at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday with some more players set to follow in the coming weeks.
The Magpies' injury situation has given head coach a real headache amid a hectic fixture schedule. Newcastle will have played 10 games in 31 days by the time they face Nottingham Forest at St James' Park on Boxing Day.
By that time, Newcastle will be hoping to have welcomed back some more players from injury.
Howe's side are fighting in all competitions but have struggled recently in the Premier League with consecutive away defeats at Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. Next up is a decisive Champions League final group stage match against AC Milan at St James' Park on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off).
The Magpies must win and hope Paris Saint-Germain drop points at Borussia Dortmund in order to progress through to the last-16. A result would guarantee European football for Howe's side after the new year, whether that be in the Champions League or Europa League while a defeat would see them exit European competition altogether.
Barring any surprise injury returns, Newcastle have at least 13 players unavailable for Wednesday's match due to injury, suspension and ineligibility to play in the Champions League.
1. Matt Targett (achilles)
Targett has been missing since picking up a hamstring injury against Man Utd back in November. He has featured on the bench in their last couple of outings before dropping out v West Ham and Everton in what is understood to be a minor setback in his recovery. Expected return: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - 13/04 | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves with a calf injury. He has since been ruled out for over a month. Set for another couple of weeks out at least. Expected return: Crystal Palace (A) - 24/04 | Getty Images
3. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away and isn't expected back until 'late April'. Expected return: Sheffield United (H) - 27/04 | Getty Images
4. Tino Livramento (ankle)
Livramento picked up a twisted ankle injury at Chelsea which ruled him out for the Manchester City trip. He returned against West Ham United before suffering another ankle injury which will keep him out for another couple of weeks. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05 | Getty Images