Newcastle United will make a late check on Joelinton’s fitness ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash against Arsenal.
The Brazilian was withdrawn in Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday with a knee injury and 24 hours later was spotted wearing a brace on his right leg at the club’s Benton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.
Joelinton is now out of the brace but is a major doubt for this 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.
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.
“Obviously, Joelinton is unique, and that’s why we’ll give him every chance to be fit.”
Howe may also consider rotating other areas of the team with Kieran Trippier pushing for a recall at right-back while goalkeeper Nick Pope is back fit following his recent knee injury.
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian has started the last 12 games. Nick Pope’s return will likely come against Birmingham City on Saturday. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
There are calls from sections of the fanbase to recall Kieran Trippier but Livramento has twice performed well against Arsenal this campaign. | AFP via Getty Images
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3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar missed the first leg win at the Emirates due to suspension. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
Putting Sven Botman back into his preferred position is difficult when Burn continues to do little wrong. | Getty Images