Joelinton decision confirmed as eight Newcastle United players missing from Fulham encounter

Newcastle United’s starting XI is unchanged for the visit of Fulham - as Eddie Howe keeps faith with Joelinton.

There were question marks over the Brazilian’s selection after his drink-driving charge in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Howe was asked about Joelinton during Friday’s pre-match press conference, and the Magpies head coach admitted he was undecided over whether or not to remove him from the team.

“I’m going to have to reflect and analyse that,” Howe said. “I’ll make a decision closer to the game in consultation with him. I’m not 100 per-cent sure yet.”

Howe also said Joelinton was “very remorseful” and understood the seriousness of the situation.

“It came very much as a shock,” Howe said. “It’s a difficult situation.

“Joe is very remorseful and was very upset yesterday. I think he knows the seriousness of the situation. I can’t go into too much detail out of respect for the case but I think he understands his responsibilities and we’re now in a position where we are supporting him.

“We also understand as a football club the seriousness of the situation.”

Missing from the matchday squad are Karl Darlow, Loris Karius, Paul Dummett, Elliot Anderson and Ryan Fraser. Emil Krafth (ACL), Matt Targett (heel) and Jonjo Shelvey (calf) were ruled out prior to the match.

Newcastle United XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, Callum Wilson. Subs: Martin Dubravka, Jamaal Lascelles, Allan Saint-Maximin, Matt Ritchie, Jamal Lewis, Alexander Isak, Javier Manquillo, Chris Wood, Jacob Murphy.