Newcastle United injury bombshell claim - £40m star could miss remainder of 23-24 season

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton could miss the rest of the season, a report in Brazil has claimed.

The 27-year-old picked up a quad injury during the 3-0 Tyne-Wear derby win over Sunderland. He played a key role in giving the Magpies the lead after his cross was turned into his own net by Dan Ballard. Shortly after Alexander Isak made it 2-0, the midfielder was withdrawn.

Speaking on Friday ahead of the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City, United boss Eddie Howe said Joelinton would be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks. But according to ESPN Brazil, he might not play again this campaign.

It's claimed Newcastle's medical team have carried out further tests and are considering sending Joelinton for surgery, which would require a four-month recovery time.

Howe spoke about Joelinton's importance to the team last week.

"It’s a real blow for us because he's such an important player," Howe said. He's had a very stop-start season unfortunately this year where he was so consistent last year. He's had a few different problems and this is a big blow.

"We have no one immediately coming back for us but no one like Joelinton. You're never going to get a like-for-like replacement, he is our midfield driving force physically. We've got no one like him."

"We haven't wanted to focus on the injury situation because it's really only negative and there's not much good to be had from talking about it.

"Joey's injury is another freak injury one where he's off-balance trying to switch play. He gets pushed in the back, his leg goes to an awkward angle and ends up with an injury."

Howe added: "Unfortunately for us any injury we've picked up this year hasn't been a one or two week injury, it's been six to eight weeks at a time where we can't afford it.

"We're really stretched in the attacking and midfield areas, and we have been for a long time. It's inhibited our ability to rest players and also change the flow of games by bringing players on who can make a difference. It's been difficult."