But Jacob Ramsey won’t feature at Villa Park as the midfielder finalises his move between the clubs.
And Alexander Isak is again unavilable, with Howe saying the striker’s situation is “unchanged”.
Anthony Gordon is expected to start up-front at Villa Park.
Ramsey arrived on Tyneside on Thursday night to undergo his medical and is now putting the finishing touches to his move, while Thiaw has trained with his new teammates since arriving on Tuesday.
While the Isak situation rumbles on and the striker’s future remains uncertain, Newcastle have taken big strides forward this week with the capture of Thiaw and imminent arrival of Ramsey.
“I am really pleased,” said Howe.
“It’s been a slow burner this summer for us. Initially a lot of frustrations because we were trying to be active very early. The reality is that didn’t happen and that’s nobody’s fault other than circumstance.
“You’re trying to turn things in a positive way, not for you guys and the perception, but the squad internally. I think gradually piece by piece we’re getting stronger.
“It’s all about the quality of the player rather than number coming in. I think we’ve hit that in the right way. We have quality players coming in who can make a difference and are right age profile.
“The top end of the pitch isn’t ideal at the moment but we have a little bit of time on that still.
And Newcastle are still pushing for further signings. The Magpies remain hopeful of signing Yoane Wissa and are assessing other striker targets amid the uncertainty surrounding Isak.
“We are still active in the window and we’d love to add one or two players but it really is quality over quantity,” said Howe.
“We don’t want to and I don’t think we need to do too much more. We are strong and in certain areas we’ve got good depth and will be able and resilient enough to get through a long, tough season.
“You look at the fixtures we have beyond the first international break and it’s relentless. We are going to need everybody fit and available and to contribute. So it’s an important few weeks left in the window for us and we certainly need to do a little bit more.”
Joe Willock will be missing at Villa Park on Saturday but the midfielder is making good progress in his recovery from a calf injury and “isn’t far away”.
Howe said: “As I sit here now, everyone is available apart from Joe.
“We have a relatively good looking squad in terms of the injury news, which is really good because we’ve worked the players hard and had some good minutes as well on the pitch.
“Malick will [be available]. He’s trained for two days. It’s never easy coming in right at the end of pre-season because our work is done and structures in place.
“But in the little bits we’ve seen, you can see the quality.”
Howe was reluctant to talk about Ramsey with the signing not yet finalised, but confirmed the midfielder won’t feature at Villa Park tomorrow.
