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.
9. Sandro Tonali (suspended)
Tonali was handed a 10-month ban from football after breaching Italian betting regulations. This suspension will rule the midfielder out of action for the rest of the season, next summer’s European Championship and the opening weeks of next season. Has since been charged by the FA and awaits potential punishment. Expected return: 27/08/24 | Getty Images
10. Sven Botman (knee)
Botman suffered an ACL injury against Manchester City in the FA Cup and has been ruled-out of action for 'six-to-nine' months. He will undergo surgery after suffering a similar injury earlier this season. Expected return: October-December 2024 | Getty Images
11. Jamaal Lascelles (knee)
Suffered a knee injury early on in the 4-3 win over West Ham United. Later confirmed to be an ACL issue, ruling him out for a lengthy period. Expected return: October-December 2024 | AFP via Getty Images