Key Newcastle United man ‘a doubt’ v Chelsea as £12m star suffers six-week injury

Joelinton is a doubt for Newcastle United’s final Premier League game of the season at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 4:30pm).

The Brazilian was named in the starting XI for Monday night’s goalless draw against Leicester City - when the Magpies sealed Champions League qualification - but was forced to withdraw during the warm-up.

“It was a difficult late change,” said United head coach Eddie Howe. “We’d been really stretched in midfield, so Joe, we thought would be okay, we didn’t think there were any major concerns with his injury, but he felt in the warm-up that he couldn’t play, couldn’t do himself justice, so unfortunately he missed out.”

Howe, without Joe Willock due to a hamstring injury, called on 20-year-old Elliot Anderson for only his second Premier League start. Though he too wasn’t 100 per-cent fit.

“Elliot himself picked up a knock in the last game when he came on, so he wasn’t 100 per cent himself, but I thought did very well, that considered and he can be very pleased with how he performed in such a high-pressure game,” said Howe.

Joelinton is being assessed ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge but could be among the players rested as Howe considers changes to his starting XI.

“I’ll have a look,” said Howe when asked about rotation. “There are a few players who have been playing with injuries, naturally, at this stage of the season.

“We haven’t got a huge squad – what you saw today is what we have fit and available, senior professionals plus one or two younger players.

“I imagine there might be changes because there are one or two players who are still struggling with injuries.”

No.1 goalkeeper Nick Pope won’t feature - he’s expected to be out for around six weeks after undergoing hand surgery earlier this week.

The England international has been playing with an injury since March and was given the green light to go under the knife a day after United sealed their Champions League return.

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.