Ryan Fraser will be assessed throughout the week after picking up a muscle injury in the 1-1 draw at West Ham.
The former AFC Bournemouth player has been in the best form of his United career so far in recent games and will be eager to retain fitness and face Brentford this week with a Scotland World Cup clash against Ukraine looming.
Fraser was watched by Steve Clarke and John Carver with the duo assessing whether he is recalled to the Scots' squad for the encounter at Hampden Park next month.
Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news
Speaking after the stalemate at the London Stadium, Howe was asked why Fraser had been hooked early and said: "I don’t know at this moment in time.
"I think he said, as he was coming off the pitch, that his hamstring was a little bit sore but we’ll see.
"It could be a bit of fatigue or cramp in there."
Howe is also expected to include Allan Saint-Maximin in the squad for the game away to Brentford on Saturday.
The winger missed Saturday's meeting wth the Hammers but he was simply rested with a calf knock.
Meanwhile, Newcastle's home clash with Crystal Palace has been moved to Sunday, 20th March.
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
This will give Magpies a day's extra preparation amid a hectic schedule.
But the game could get moved again if Palace stay in the FA Cup and see off Stoke at home in round five.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
