Newcastle United are set to welcome back Joelinton for this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at St James’ Park (kick-off 3pm).
The Brazilian has missed the last two matches against Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham United after picking up a hamstring injury less than five minutes after being introduced as a substitute at home to Burnley.
The two-week international break has given Joelinton time to recover. United head coach Eddie Howe is “confident” the 27-year-old will return to the match day squad versus The Eagles.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “He’s trained well. He’s done a lot of work so I’m confident, as I sit here now, he’s going to be OK and return to the form we know he can produce.
“He’s a huge player for us. We did have a few injuries, not everything’s cleared up and we’re not in perfect order but we’re certainly looking a little bit better.”
While Joelinton’s expected return is a boost, Howe still remains without some key players, while a couple more are doubts heading into today’s game.
Palace too have their fair amount of injury problems. Here’s the latest injury news from both camps:
1. James Tomkins - out
Tomkins sustained a calf injury in training on Thursday and awaiting his scan results.
2. Harvey Barnes - out
Barnes won’t return until early 2024 after picking up a foot injury against Sheffield United last month.
3. Michael Olise - Out
Olise is making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury but remains a couple of weeks away.
4. Joe Willock - out
Willock resumed training earlier this week after almost six months out but the Palace game has come too soon.