The Magpies have been hit by injuries to key players throughout the campaign, and Howe will still be without Bruno Guimarães and Lewis Miley for the game at Stamford Bridge.
But a handful of players have returned to action in recent weeks.
Here are some of the main talking points from Howe's meeting with the media on Friday:
On reflecting on Barcelona...
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"Players have responded well, big disappointment at the end but a performance full of pride. We have another game around the corner, and we can't let what happened in one game effect the next, the week ahead is a big one."
On the Chelsea challenge...
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"Mental challenges for this game, that we need to try and get right. Chelsea is one of the toughest away games you can have so we need to make sure we are focused on them."
On Anthony Gordon...
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"He trained yesterday; he is fine. He was willing to play in the game; it was my decision not to start him as he had been ill that morning."
On Joelinton...
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"When Joe plays like he has, he brings that steel mobility to that midfield, he really lifts the team when he is in a good place, he gives so much in every game. He has had his injury troubles this year, but we are desperate to keep him fit.”
On Lewis Hall...
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"Lewis was a smart piece of business. He had a tough first year, he had to really show mental strength and patience, and he has reaped the benefits from grabbing his chance in the team. He is currently playing his best football. He has a lot of strengths that a lot of players in his position won’t have and that is why he stands out.”
On Bruno Guimarães' progress...
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"Bruno is back on Monday, his plan is he wants to come to Barcelona, not in a playing capacity, but to support the lads. He has been working incredibly hard on his recovery; I’d like to think by the time the international break has ended he will be back ready for us."
More to follow.