The Brazil midfielder is recovering from a thigh injury, with reports in Brazil suggesting he won't be seen for at least a month.
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After their FA Cup win at Aston Villa yesterday, Howe said: "I think he will be (pushing to get back sooner). But the time frame will be the time frame on this one.
"I don't think there's any miracle cure for him. I think it will be a couple of months. You are probably looking at the end of the international break in March for him.
"That is a blow for us. It is a key stage in the season for us, he is devastated but it is what it is.
"We can't do anything about it. We just have to get him back safely and others players have to step up in his absence."