Newcastle United to make ‘late call’ on key man as Eddie Howe confirms TWO injury doubts ahead of Everton

Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey are doubts for Newcastle United’s trip to Everton on Thursday night.

The Brazilian has missed the Magpies’ previous two games at Southampton and Chelsea due to a groin issue.

Shelvey, meanwhile, was a late withdrawal from the 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge along with Joe Willock due to illness.

Willock is expected to feature at Goodison Park, however late call will be made on Joelinton and Shelvey.

The trio had started seven consecutive games together before Southampton, which seen United collect 19 points from a possible 21.

The injury latest on Joelinton, Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey

Howe, asked for the latest on the injury front, said: “(Joe) Willock, yes. He should be ok. He had an illness but returned to training yesterday.

“(Jonjo) Shelvey, we’re waiting to see. He hasn’t trained yet, so he’s a slighty bigger concern.

“Joelinton is touch and go. We have a decision to make whether we look after him until the break we have or push him back out there. We’ll have to make a late call.”

The absence of the midfield three forced Howe into a tactical reshuffle with Sean Longstaff, starting for the first time since January, partnering Bruno Guimaraes.

Any others?

Howe confirmed Federico Fernandez is set to train ahead of the trip to Merseyside.

The Argentine hasn’t played for United since his cameo appearance during the 1-0 win over Burnley in early-December.

He said: “Fede Fernandez will hopefully train today but he’s obviously had quite a layoff and a slighty broken rehab.”