'Huge news' - Eddie Howe loves 'absolute beast' who can save Newcastle United's season

The Brazilian picked up a knee problem during the 2-1 defeat to Fulham last month and was in a race against time to be fit for the Carabao Cup final. A welcome return against Brighton last weekend saw Joelinton play 64 minutes before being hooked.

He came through the game unscathed and is now preparing for a mammoth eight days on Tyneside. Newcastle travel to West Ham United on Monday before returning to the capital for the Wembley showdown with Liverpool.

Joelinton will also be buoyed by a return to the Brazilian national side after making their squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. The 28-year-old has been chosen alongside Toon teammate and best friend Bruno Guimaraes.

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Speaking to reporters before the trip to West Ham United, Howe discussed how Joelinton trained like an “absolute beast” so he could make the Carabao Cup final next week. He said: "Huge news for him, delighted for Joe. He is such a passionate guy. 

“One of the highs on Sunday was to see him returning to his best way, running, chasing, winning balls, being a real enforcer for us in that midfield. It is a testament to his character that he is back in the Brazil squad. 

“Joe is another one of those players who can play off the left and has done that well for us historically. The most pleasing thing from Sunday was his performance. I thought he looked energetic. He looked like his normal self. 

“It looked like there was no hangover from his injury and I’m not nearly surprised by that. I saw the work he put in. He trained like an absolute beast because he knows what’s on the horizon (Wembley and Brazil).”