Newcastle United star at risk of suspension after Liverpool clash - Eddie Howe reacts

Joelinton is on the verge of a two-match suspension - but Eddie Howe won’t tell the Brazilian to change his style of play.

The Newcastle United star picked up his ninth booking of the Premier League campaign during the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth last weekend. As a result of that late foul on Jefferson Lerma, the 25-year-old is just one yellow card away from a two-match ban.

Should that come against Liverpool on Saturday (kick-off 5:30pm), Joelinton wouldn’t miss the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, but back-to-back league fixtures versus Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers next month.

It’s far from an ideal scenario for United, with Joelinton emerging as one of the club’s key players over the last 18 months. But Howe is ready to accept that side of Joelinton’s game.

“If you look at the booking last week, it’s mis-timed by such a small margin,” Howe said.

“He’s such a good transitional player, he puts out a lot of fires for us. Defensively, his positioning and tactical understanding are excellent but he’s physical, and he’s going into a lot of duels.

“I think his stats for duels, tackles and aerial wins this season have been incredible. With that comes getting a few wrongs, and they’ve ended up being bookings.

“We’re desperate not to lose him but we also don’t want him to change the way he plays.”

Joelinton will retain his place in Newcastle’s starting XI against Liverpool, but Howe could be forced into a formation change with Joe Willock a doubt because of a hamstring injury.

United have played with three midfield this season but are short of numbers with Bruno Guimaraes serving the final game of his three-match ban. Elliot Anderson is an option for Howe, although the Geordie is still awaiting his first Premier League start.