Matt Targett remains a major injury doubt for Newcastle United despite returning to training this week.
Targett hasn't been seen since suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-0 win over Manchester United back in November. The left-back's injury required surgery which has sidelined him for four months in total.
Earlier this week, Howe described Targett as being on 'the tip of returning' alongside Elliot Anderson. Anderson came off the bench and scored a penalty in Newcastle's FA Cup win over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night but Targett didn't make the trip.
And Howe suggested the player will need 'a little more time' to be back involved heading into Saturday's Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park.
When asked about Anderson and Targett's injuries ahead of the match against Wolves, Howe said: "Yeah they're on a similar timescale, but different injuries.
"Matty might need a little more time to be back involved with the squad just due to the fact his injury was a muscle injury. But he is back training with the group."
Targett has started just seven Premier League matches since signing for Newcastle permanently from Aston Villa for £15million in the summer of 2022. He is contracted at St James' Park until June 2026.
Dan Burn has been a regular at left-back for Newcastle over the past 18 months with Tino Livramento also slotting into the position recently. The Magpies also signed Lewis Hall on loan from Chelsea in the summer but the 19-year-old, like Targett, has started just one Premier League match so far this season.
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