Newcastle United look set to be without Sven Botman for their two crucial Premier League games against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. It is a disappointment for the Magpies as they look to get back into the race for Champions League qualification.
The Dutchman has not recovered since sustaining a knee injury against Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup. If Botman does return next weekend, as specified by Howe, he will have missed almost a month of action after limping off on February 5.
Howe said: "We don't think he'll be fit and available for this weekend. We're going have to see how things stand over the weekend for next week that is barring a remarkable recovery.
"He's making good progress but just not as quickly as we want. So he's very much on track, there's been no setback or anything, he's very much on track, just not quite right."
Howe's options defensively have been limited going into the weekend and moving forward the Toon boss has also confirmed that Jamaal Lascelles will be out until the end of the season. Lascelles has also been suffering with a knee injury suffered last April but his prospects of being fit in and around the Carabao Cup final have been dented.
Speaking on Lascelles, Howe said: "Jamaal is continuing to work, I think he was the last player to leave, he works extraordinary long hours, he was here until 5pm yesterday.
"He is as dedicated a player as you will see, he has had various problems. He has had setbacks, nothing major, but little moments that have knocked back his recovery.
"He has been on the grass and been training individually with physios. He has not gone beyond that stage yet. He is in a pretty good place, we are probably looking towards the end of the season as a return date."
Howe also provided an update on Joelinton, who should be available for the Wembley clash against Liverpool. He said: "He's doing really well. He's pushing as Joe always does. We just need to make sure we introduce him at the right time."
