Newcastle United will make a late fitness call on Kieran Trippier ahead of Saturday's Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (12:45pm kick-off).
Trippier missed Monday's 4-2 defeat at Liverpool due to a groin injury picked up in the Boxing Day defeat against Nottingham Forest and is a doubt for the match on Saturday. Callum Wilson is also set to miss the FA Cup third-round match with a calf issue along with several others.
Ahead of the match, Howe was asked about Trippier's chances of featuring against The Black Cats.
"With Kieran, we're going to give him a late test today and see how he is tomorrow," he said. "[Wilson is] not too bad but it'll be enough to keep him out of this game and our next game but hopefully he'll be back for Aston Villa.
"It's been a good week for us, since the Liverpool game the lads have trained well. We know the importance of the fixture and what it means to everybody so we're ready and hopefully we can give the best account of ourselves."
Subject to Trippier's late fitness test, Newcastle are unlikely to welcome any other players back from injury this weekend with nine players currently ruled out. But Howe is hoping his side will be back at 'full pelt' this weekend.
"Hopefully we can say we're at full pelt for the weekend," Howe added. "That's how we have to look, there are no excuses." The match will be the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 as Newcastle look to pick up their first win against Sunderland since 2011.
Here is Newcastle United's current injury list and expected return dates heading into Saturday's match...
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