Eddie Howe issues Newcastle United injury update on Joelinton and Chris Wood

Eddie Howe has issued an update on Joelinton and Chris Wood after their withdrawals during Newcastle United’s 5-0 win against Al-Hilal.

Wood was forced off on 38 minutes and replaced by Sean Longstaff, while Joelinton departed around the hour-mark.

“I think Chris has just got a back problem. I don’t think it’s too bad. Joelinton felt a tightness in his hamstring. I don’t think it’s a pull or anything. Fingers cross, they’re not too bad.”

Joelinton netted a first-half brace before Miguel Almiron scored two himself after being introduced at the break. Magpies under-23s Dylan Stephenson added a fifth in the closing stages.

“Tough game but they’re the games you want,” Howe said. “I know the scoreline looks comfortable but it was a difficult game, especially in the first-half.

“I thought we grew into the game after a difficult opening 10-15 minutes. There were some really good bits, some stuff to work on. There was a little bit of rustiness we are still playing ourselves out of but we’ll be better for the game.”