'Nasty' - Newcastle United star ruled out v Ipswich Town as Eddie Howe faces £135m rethink

Collins elbowed Joelinton in the face before catching him with his studs when the Brazilian lay on the ground midway through the first-half. The incident went unpunished by referee Sam Barrott which meant Joelinton tried to take matters into his own hands by furiously confronting Collins.

It was only after then that those inside St James’ Park began to notice his wounds. The 28-year-old sustained a deep cut on his right ear and although tried to continue needed to be replaced at half-time.

Newcastle were leading 2-0 at this stage thanks to Sandro Tonali’s brace before Fabian Schar added a third. Yoane Wissa then pulled one back for the visitors in stoppage time.

Joelinton wasn’t pictured in the full-time dressing room photo as he underwent medical treatment.

The former club-record signing won’t be available for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Ipswich Town, not because of the injury but because he is suspended for accumulating five yellow cards this season.

“I'm disappointed to lose him because he's the type of player we need in every away game,” said Howe. “He's such a wholehearted player so at least he can play free and play his normal game.”

Joelinton’s absence will force Howe to rotate his three-man midfield. Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are set to start at Portman Road but Howe must pick between Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley.