Eddie Howe names the Newcastle United ‘machine’ who is a doubt v Leicester City

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe hopes to have Joelinton available for Monday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City (kick-off 8pm) after describing the Brazilian as a “machine”.

The 26-year-old picked up a knock during the second half of the Magpies’ 4-1 win against Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday night. He continued until injury time before being replaced by Matt Targett.

“He’s a machine. He’d literally – it’s a well-used phrase in football – run through a brick wall for the team, the club and I think he does every game,” said Howe. “He succumbed to that brick wall last night, it seemed to hurt him, but we hope he’s okay. He’s just been incredible for us this year.”

Howe will have a mini-crisis in midfield if Joelinton is unavailable. Sean Longstaff is a doubt because of a foot injury, while Joe Willock’s season looks to be over after pulling his hamstring on the hour-mark versus Brighton.

Speaking on Friday, Howe said: “I’ll be straight to the physio room to see how everyone is. We’ve got a few concerns. The lads gave so much to the game yesterday and they’ve given a lot to the season. I just hope there is nothing serious.

“Sometimes after a game there is a lot of emotion running through the player’s body so sometimes injuries can appear worse at that moment. I certainly hope that is the case and they wake up today and feel better.

“It will be a consultation between me, the medical team and coaching staff to try and see what players we have available first then try and pick a team that can win.”

Elliot Anderson could come into Howe’s thinking after stepping up in Willock’s absence last time out. Teenage midfielder Lewis Miley is also set for another space on the substitutes bench.

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