Bruno Guimaraes stays an injury doubt for Newcastle United’s Premier League match against Liverpool on Saturday.
The Brazilian midfielder was ignored of the squad for Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa last Sunday resulting from an ankle injury.
Bruno travelled to Paris this week for Newcastle’s 1-1 draw against PSG but he was left on the bench as an unused substitute.
Newcastle host Liverpool at St James’ Park this weekend but Howe admits Bruno will not be a certainty to start out the match.
When asked about Bruno’s availability for the sport against Liverpool, Howe said on Friday: ‘It’s barely unknown in the intervening time.
‘I’d say he did very well to be with us in Paris – I believe that was all the way down to the very fact he was eager to be there and to support the players.
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‘He did very, very light training, he participated in that nevertheless it was next to nothing, to be honest.
‘He trained with us yesterday but that was more of a test so we’ll see how he’s today. This can be the day really where we resolve.’
Howe was also confident that Joelinton is not going to be a long-term absentee resulting from a groin injury.
‘He flew on to Barcelona after the sport to get an injection in his groin,’ Howe said.
‘It was excellent news. The specialist feels he only needs one injection and which means his return could possibly be quite quick and we’re taking a look at weeks, not months.
‘Unsure of the precise date yet, nevertheless it’s positive news.’
How also issued an update on Tino Livramento’s hamstring injury: ‘He’s doing well.
‘I consider he’s having a scan today – a second scan to see the progress of his hamstring. Fingers crossed it’s excellent news and whether it is, he’ll be back out running.
‘We’re still probably five to 6 weeks away and we’re taking a look at an early March return, providing every part goes well.’
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