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.

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


