Newcastle United fresh injury worry v Arsenal as £20m star ruled out for eight weeks

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Eddie Howe has revealed Joelinton is a doubt for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Arsenal.

The Brazilian was forced off during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Fulham and was pictured in a knee brace over the weekend.

In a positive sign, Joelinton is now out of the brace, though the visit of Arsenal could come too soon. But Howe says United will give the midfielder “every chance” to prove his fitness.

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Howe said: “ Yes, Joey was, after the game, put in a knee brace just as a precaution, he's out of that knee brace now. “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.”

That puts Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley on standby to replace the 27-year-old.

“I certainly feel we've got good strength and depth in that position currently with obviously Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, three quality players,” Howe added. “It does all bring something slightly different, but three quality players that can step in. Obviously Joelinton is unique and that's why we give him every chance to be fit.”

Meanwhile, there’s a chance Callum Wilson could return following eight weeks out with a hamstring issue. The 32-year-old has been restricted to just four appearances this campaign having missed the opening months with a back issue.

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“There's a chance,” said Howe. “We've got another important training day today. Let's get through training before we make a decision on him.”

Harvey Barnes (muscle) and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined.

A big night at St James’ Park coming up

It’s advantage Newcastle, with Eddie Howe’s side leading 2-0 from their first-leg win at the Emirates. It marked United’s seventh victory in a row but four weeks on, and the momentum has switched.

Arsenal thrashed Premier League champions Manchester City 5-1 at the weekend, while Newcastle suffered a second successive St James’ Park defeat after Fulham came from behind to win 2-1.

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“I think my message is that we're at the halfway point of the tie,” said Howe. “I think the away game was a good performance from us. But of course, against any opposition, the game is still very much alive and we have to do our part. But I think then when you add the quality of Arsenal and the team that they have, we know very much we have to be on our guard.

“I think we just have to approach the game in a really positive way, aggressive way. We have to very much try and be ourselves in every moment. There'll be no deviation from that, from our perspective. Front foot performance at home, we need to engage the crowd. We're in a good position and we need to try and make the most of every opportunity.

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