The Magpies host the La Liga outfit, who finished in fourth place of the Spanish top-flight last season, under the lights at St. James' Park and seek a third consecutive Champions League win after triumphs over Union Saint-Gilloise and Benfica in October.
Howe, however, revealed the United captain is a doubt to face Ernesto Valverde's side after missing Monday's training session due to illness, which has recently spread amongst a handful of squad members, but remains optimistic his side can "historically" respond in positive fashion from Sunday's Premier League defeat at the hands of West Ham United.
Here are some of the boss' main talking points from Tuesday afternoon's pre-match media briefing, held at St. James' Park...
On team-news....
"There's been a bit of illness going through the squad because that's various players that have picked something up. Sandro initially, Jacob Murphy, Kieran Trippier and now Bruno.
"We're making a decision on Bruno tomorrow. He's such an important player for us but he's clearly not been himself and that's why he missed training today."
On bouncing back from Sunday's 3-1 defeat against West Ham...
"There's always a feeling of frustration and different emotions when you play that way that you then try and use to your advantage for the future. "Historically, we've responded pretty well. We've tried to use performances like that as a catalyst for better, trying to learn from the experience.
"It's not the first time and it's not going to be the last. With the amount of games, you're going to have dips in performance but it's about controlling that and even when you don't play well, you can still win and we didn't deliver that aspect on Sunday."
On returning to Champions League action...
"It's a really important game for us. We know what we have ahead in the Champions League. Athletic Club will provide stiff opposition. Very good defensive team.
"Off the ball, they've delivered some really strong performances. Our attacking game is going to have to be at its very best. Champions League nights are always very special."
On delivering consistent results:
"I think we're well aware of the season. We're right in the midst of a run of games that are hugely enjoyable but hugely challenging. We're disappointed with our Premier League form and the inability to string consistent results together. "Our recent run of games [in all competitions] hasn't been too bad. Results wise, it's actually been pretty strong but in the Premier League, in particular, we haven't got those back-to-back wins to elevate ourselves."
On Nick Woltemade, who has netted six goals in all competitions for the Magpies so far this season:
"We're well aware we've thrust him into every game, near enough. I thought he looked a little bit fatigued and taking him off [at West Ham] was the case of making a decision I felt would benefit the team and Nick going forward because he's carrying a lot of load on his shoulders. If at any stage I feel he is fatigued I need to act to help him."
