Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier has teased his involvement in Tuesday night's Premier League trip to Aston Villa (8:15pm kick-off).
Trippier was withdrawn in the closing stages of Newcastle's 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday with a groin issue. The 33-year-old has been nursing a problem since picking up the injury against Nottingham Forest last month.
After the Fulham match, Howe said: "We hope [he's okay]. He's had a groin problem sort of grumbling away for a while.
"He just said he was a bit fatigued at the end. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious and no new injury."
Trippier then said he was 'fine' to be involved at Villa Park on Tuesday evening.
"I'm fine, I've been managing a groin problem but it's nothing serious, nothing at all," he said. "Just precaution really but I'm feeling fine, feeling all right and I'll be fine for the next game."
And the right-back has now teased his involvement on social media to post a personalised preview of the match via Instagram. Such posts are often a clear indicator that a player is available and ready to play.
Trippier has been subject to a £13million transfer bid from Bayern Munich this month which was rejected by Newcastle. The England international has since claimed any talk of leaving the club is now 'over' and reaffirmed his commitment.
While Trippier is expected to be involved at Villa on Tuesday along with Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes have been ruled out due to injury.
Here is Newcastle United's current injury list and expected return dates...
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