Newcastle United offer hope of surprise Joelinton return - but this is the 'likelihood'
Newcastle United issue official injury update on Joelinton.
Newcastle United are preparing to be without Joelinton for the remaining four games of the Premier League season.
The Brazilian missed last Saturday’s 3-0 win against Ipswich Town after visiting a specialist over an ongoing knee injury. He first sustained the issue earlier this year, forcing him to miss the whole of February but returned a month later.
Joelinton had played the last 10 matches for club and country prior to Ipswich match. The Magpies face Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton in their run-in as they look to secure Champions League qualification.
Joelinton injury update
However, they are likely to be without their midfield destroyer after he was advised to sit out the final fixtures. At the moment, Joelinton is in Brazil, although Eddie Howe hasn’t totally ruled out a return.
Newcastle’s head coach explained: "The likelihood is that it will be difficult [if he will play again this season]. But with Joe you never rule him out. He's so motivated to try and come back.
“He had a bit of discomfort in his knee last week before the game so we sought specialist opinion and the opinion was it was nothing serious but he needed a period of rest so he's now in Brazil. We'll wait and see if we can get him back before the end of the season but the likelihood is probably not."
“I wouldn't say it's a new injury, but it's related to the knee that he had recently. So it just wasn't feeling 100%.”
Who comes in for Joelinton?
Joe Willock replaced Joelinton in the starting XI against Ipswich and is expected to retain his place for the long trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
“Yes, we still have a lot of faith in Joe,” Howe said. “And I think a like-for-like replacement really does a lot of his best work on the left-hand side of the pitch, as Joelinton does. So for me, he's got goal-scoring instincts. He's a very attackminded player, very quick and athletic, a really good ball carrier.
“ And let's not forget, Joe's had some important contributions this season, most notably really in the Carabao Cup, where he scored some big goals for us. But also my mind goes back to the Arsenal game at the Emirates, where I thought he was excellent that day.
“So no doubting his quality. Yes, he probably needs to feel that run of games to be at his very best. Hopefully he can show that.”