Alexander Isak and Sven Botman are both injury doubts for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Isak was forced off in the closing stages of Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with West Ham and subsequently missed the international break with Sweden.
Botman, meanwhile, has been absent for Newcastle’s last four games and Howe claims the Dutch defender is ‘improving’ ahead of his side’s match against Palace at St James’ Park.
‘Alex [Isak] hasn’t trained with us yet so we’re going to see if he’s fit and available,’ Howe said on Friday.
When asked about Botman, Howe said: ‘Sven is improving. The two weeks has been good for him.’
Howe is also confident that Joelinton is closing in on a return after missing Newcastle’s last two games.
‘I hope so. He’s trained well and has looked good,’ Howe said.
‘He’s done a lot of work and I’m confident as I sit here now, he’s going to be ok and return to the form we know he can produce because he’s a huge player for us.
‘As you say we did have a few injuries. Not everything has cleared up and we’re not in a perfect order but we feel a bit better.’
Howe revealed that Joe Willock is also nearing a return.
‘I’m the same as Joe, I want him back but of course we have to do it sensibly,’ Howe said.
‘He’s trained this week for the first time back with the group.
‘Probably a bit too early for him to be involved in the matchday squad but he’s getting closer. He’s a huge player for us.’
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