Newcastle United set for major selection boost v Brighton - and it's not Anthony Gordon
Newcastle United welcome back an important player for their Premier League clash against Brighton.
Newcastle United will have Joelinton available for their Premier League clash at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The Brazilian picked up his 10th Premier League yellow card of the season in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, forcing him to sit out of further losses to AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal.
Joelinton has now served his automatic two-match ban as Eddie Howe faces a decision on whether to hand him an immediate recall to the starting XI.
The 29-year-old’s return is set to coincide with Anthony Gordon, who has also missed the last two games due to a hip flexor issue.
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Newcastle United have a full complement of midfielders available
The Magpies now have a full complement of midfielders available following recent returns for Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes. Miley has started the last three games having been missing since January due to muscle damage, while Guimaraes made his first start since February at the Emirates last weekend.
Guimaraes had been recovering from a hamstring injury but saw his return delayed after contracting mumps. The Brazilian made his comeback as 60th-minute substitute against Bournemouth before getting through 75 minutes at Arsenal.
Providing an update on his skipper’s fitness, Howe said after the game: “I think he's okay. I don't know, I've not spoken to him directly.
“He's walking a bit gingerly, but I think that's expected because he's missed so much football and today was a big effort for him, but I thought he was outstanding.
“Firstly, in his attitude to play the game, really, with minimal training time, but just the way he plays, the way he's brave, he wants the ball, he changed the dynamic of the team totally and showed his qualities throughout.”
Elsewhere, Sandro Tonali has been a regular in Newcastle’s side and last weekend lined up alongside Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock, the latter of whom impressed on his return to his former club.