Newcastle United fresh injury blow vs Arsenal as 18-year-old 'ready' to step in
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Newcastle United are sweating over the fitness of Joelinton ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash against Arsenal.
The Brazilian was withdrawn in the 64th minute of Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday with a knee injury and 24 hours later was spotted wearing a brace on his right leg at the club’s Benton training ground.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJoelinton is now out of the brace but is a major doubt for the visit of Arsenal on Wednesday evening.
“Joey was, after the game, put in a knee brace just as a precaution, he's out of that knee brace now,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe explained. “We'll assess how he is for this game. I'd say he's a doubt, but we give him every minute we can to try and make him fit.”
If the 28-year-old does indeed miss out, Howe has three players that can step in.
Who could replace Joelinton?
Howe said: “We have good strength in depth in that position currently. Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley - all three quality players who bring something slightly different - can all step in.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Obviously, Joelinton is unique, and that’s why we’ll give him every chance to be fit.”
Willock was brought on for Joelinton at the weekend, while he also started the first-leg win at the Emirates in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes, who was suspended.
Longstaff played in the early season win over the Gunners, but last started against top-flight in December. Meanwhile, Miley has started just once in the last 12 months but has been brought off the bench ahead of Longstaff in recent weeks.
Asked if Miley would be ready to step into the team, Howe said: “Lewis, I think, is in a great place. He’s been in that place for a while, he’s trained regularly and built that momentum up from the training that we deliver.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“His performances have been really good, really happy with him. Very happy also with Sean, how he is training behind the scenes, and Joe Willock has got outstanding attributes. He played previously against Arsenal and did really well.”
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.