NEWCASTLE United have been boosted by the news that the injuries suffered by Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock against West Ham were minor and the pair are both in with a chance of being available to face Crystal Palace this weekend.
Willock was forced off at half-time on Monday night after taking what Howe described as a "nasty whack" attempting to block a shot, while Bruno pulled up with a glute problem late on.
But checks confirmed that the injuries weren't serious and both are set to travel with the squad to the capital this afternoon ahead of Saturday's game at Selhurst Park.
"They have a chance to play," said Howe.
"They're not serious injuries so we'll make a decision today.
“Joe took a bang, a nasty whack trying to block a shot just above the ankle, so he lost a little bit of feeling in his leg, it went a bit numb for a while. But it looks like he has improved quickly."
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Callum Wilson outlines what Newcastle United 'need' amid Alexander Isak question
- Newcastle United departure now likely in January - with boss' comments set to be key
Callum Wilson came through his return to action unscathed and will again be involved at Palace, though is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench with Howe reluctant to rush the striker after his latest long lay-off.
But Lewis Miley won't travel with the squad to London, with the teenage midfielder set to play for the Under-21s against Crystal Palace at home tonight.
Meanwhile, Howe has told Joelinton and Fabian Schar to play their usual game despite the fact the pair are one yellow card away from having to serve a ban.
But he admitted that suspension risk was in his mind when he replaced the Brazilian midfielder in the second half against West Ham.
He said: "It’s a difficult one to go into too much detail on that with the players as they need to be free.
"Joey needs to be free to play his game and one of his biggest strengths is his ability to win the ball and cover every blade of grass and to be physical with his opponents.
"Part of the reason that I withdrew him on Monday was to make sure we had him for the next day. He is such a pivotal figure for us.
"With those guys, the likelihood is that they will get booked before the cut off point but that’s while we have the squad."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here