The Brazil midfielder suffered an ankle injury in the midweek Champions League win against PSV. But Howe, speaking this morning, says the setback may not be as serious as first thought.
He stated: "I think with Bruno we hope it is not serious. The extent of the injury is unknown. Speaking to him again, he is a guy we never rule out, so we will give him every chance this weekend. We will see.
"We will always try to make the right decision. To protect the long-term. We will try to do that, Bruno. He is a match-winner and an inspiration, so we need him. We will make all the calculations and come to the right decision.
"Our injury record this season is improved. Yes we have been hit with defensive injuries. But we have been happy with our treatment with injuries. Naturally with the schedule we've had we are going to get injuries."
Howe revealed Dan Burn could be back on Sunday after recovering from a rib injury.
He added: "As you saw around the Champions League game he is out with the players Today is possibly the first day he's training fully with the group and taking contact, and that will be the key thing for him.
"But he's desperate to get back involved so that's a great sign."
Trippier return
Howe, meanwhile, admits Newcastle management are delighted with the return to full fitness of Kieran Trippier. The former club captain was back for the midweek win against PSV.
Howe enthused: "He's come back in and done really well. Kieran is an unbelievable leader behind the scenes for us, such a steadying, calming influence. He's got a lot of experience, he's a great communicator with the players.
"He's done really well, especially on Wednesday night when he was excellent athletically. Technically very good, which has been the hallmark of his game since he's been here."
Full credit to Emery
Newcastle host Aston Villa on Sunday at St James' Park. Newcastle sit in eighth place on the Premier League table, with Villa currently third.
Howe said, "They've had a great season so far. Unai (Emery) is an outstanding coach, I really enjoy watching his teams, They have clear structures within their style of play. They've found ways of winning tight games this season, and have gone on a very good run, which is very difficult to do in the Premier League.
"Full credit to him and his players, and they've had European success as well, so that brings its own challenges as we've found this season, so we know this will be a really difficult game."
On fighting for the top five, he stated: "The money league is interesting reading. We have a long way to go with revenue. I have always had the belief you have to try to outperform your resources."
Gordon commitment
Howe also considered the form of Anthony Gordon after his performance against PSV. The manager admits he's been pleased with what he's seen.
Howe continued: "I've been pleased with his contribution for a while in both competitions.
"He's consistently hit the physical levels that we ask, he's hit the attitude that we need. I still feel there's more to come from him - he's an outstanding player and I think he can deliver great things for us. But he's really committing and trying to help the team."
And touching on the progress of Lewis Miley, Howe admits they're delighted with the youngster, who has worn the captain's armband this month.
"Lewis is Lewis. Very relaxed and very calm, unfazed. He has the ability to control his emotions and feelings. He has a lot of maturing and development in his game to come, but great early signs for him in his career so far."
Wissa and Woltemade
Howe admits he's delighted counting on Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade. Wissa struck midweek in the win against PSV and Howe says being able to rotate the duo or pair them together is a big asset for Newcastle.
He explained: "I think it's a good thing for both players (Wissa and Woltemade) that they're both fit and able to contribute. I see it as a huge positive for both. Looking back at previous examples, when Callum (Wilson) and Alex (Isak) were both fit and firing, they helped each other, pushed each other. elevated each other in some ways to greater performances and that is how both players have to take on the challenge.
"You want the whole team feeling this, not just those two, that one bad performance could cost them their place in the side. That's when teams play the best that they can, everyone's pushing and everyone is aware of the strength of the group.
"I trust both players, they're very good players and have different strengths, they can be highly effective and it's great to have them both fit and available."
No market panic
Howe, when concluding, also offered an update on Newcastle's market campaign this month. The Toon manager insists there's no panic, despite their plans appearing to stall.
He stated: "I'm not panicking, that is worse thing you can do as you make rash decisions. We have our strategy.
"I've said it time and again, PSR is controlling what we're able to do and you'll understand that gives us limted room to manoeuvre, to try to bring a player in who is good enough to elevate the group and to have a long-term future at the football club, with the finances we have available, is very difficult.
"So let's see what happens in the last few days - anything can happen from this point onwards but certainly we try not to panic and make the right decisions."