Newcastle United star ‘not at 100 per-cent’ v Brighton spotted on international duty

Newcastle United midfielders Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes have linked up with Brazil for their World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.

Both players were on the South Coast of England on Saturday evening as the Magpies lost 3-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion - their third successive Premier League defeat. Guimaraes played the full 90 minutes while Joelinton was withdrawn around the hour-mark.

Joelinton was an injury doubt in the build-up to the Brighton match after picking up a knee issue against Liverpool. However, the 27-year-old declared himself fit on the eve of the fixture but lasted 58 minutes.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe revealed afterwards Joelinton “was not at 100 per-cent”. He has, however, teamed up with the Brazil national team as planned.

Joelinton made his Selecao debut in June and marked it with a goal against Guinea. He also featured versus Senegal and will be hoping to add to his two caps so far when Brazil host Bolivia on Saturday morning (kick-off 1:45am) before travelling to Peru next Wednesday (kick-off 3am).

Howe’s side host Brentford in their first game back after the international. The Premier League fixture was due to take place on Sunday, September 17 but has been brought forward to Saturday at 5:30pm due to Newcastle’s involvement in the Champions League.

Howe will have a big selection call to make versus Thomas Frank’s Bees with Joelinton and Guimaraes set to return to Tyneside on Thursday at the earliest.