Newcastle United have been hit with a fresh injury concern ahead of the Boxing Day clash against Nottingham Forest (12:30pm kick-off).
Magpies skipper Jamaal Lascelles was forced off with a muscle injury in the first half of the 1-0 defeat at Luton Town on Saturday. When asked about the severity of Lascelles' injury, Howe simply said 'I'm not sure'.
But Newcastle have recently welcomed back Sven Botman from injury. Lascelles had replaced the Dutchman in Newcastle's starting line-up in recent months.
The Magpies had Fabian Schar and Alexander Isak return from injury at Luton and will be pushing for a start against Forest provided they have picked up no set-backs with their respective glute or groin injuries. Eddie Howe will be looking for a reaction from his side at St James' Park after some disappointing results away from home.
The Magpies have lost their last four on the road and have won just once away all season. But their Premier League form at St James' Park is strong with eight wins from nine games so far.
Nottingham Forest are under the new management of Nuno Espirito Santo looking to end a run of seven league games without a win.
Here's Newcastle United's injury/unavailable list and estimated return dates ahead of the Forest game...
1. Jacob Murphy (calf)
Felt a tight calf in the warm-up at Nottingham Forest that rendered him 'unusable' for the match. He hasn't trained as of Friday morning but Howe didn't rule him out against Bournemouth. Expected return: AFC Bournemouth (H) - 17/02
2. Alexander Isak (groin)
Newcastle's top scorer was forced off during Tuesday's 3-1 win at Aston Villa with a groin issue. Eddie Howe said the player would 'probably not' be involved v Bournemouth but has made good progress. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
3. 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. Expected return: Blackburn Rovers (A) - 27/02
4. Joe Willock (Achilles)
Willock has reaggravated an Achilles injury and missed the win over Chelsea in November. Howe described the setback as a ‘massive blow’ and has since been ruled out for the past two months. He is close to a return. Expected return: Blackburn Rovers (A) - 27/02