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. Jacob Murphy (calf)
Felt a tight calf in the warm-up at Nottingham Forest that rendered him 'unusable' for the match. Expected return: AFC Bournemouth (H) - 17/02
2. Callum Wilson (chest)
Wilson managed to complete 90 minutes at Nottingham Forest but ended the match with his arm in a makeshift sling. Eddie Howe said after the game that he hopes the injury is not serious but it was too soon to tell. It has since been revealed the striker suffered a pectoral injury in his chest. Expected return: TBC
3. Alexander Isak (groin)
Newcastle's top scorer was forced off during Tuesday's 3-1 win at Aston Villa with a groin issue. While it's not thought to be serious, Eddie Howe said he could be out for the next couple of games Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
4. Matt Targett (hamstring)
Matt Targett has been on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Manchester United. The left-back had surgery on his hamstring in November and given a three month recovery time. Howe has since confirmed Targett is back on the grass but not running just yet. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02