Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, shakes hands with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal
Newcastle United will make checks on Joelinton ahead of the final day clash against Everton on Sunday.
The Brazil international is back to work at the training ground but head coach Eddie Howe stated on Friday that the South American is facing a race against time to be ready to face the Toffees due to knee issues. Nevertheless, Howe has been known to make the odd surprise and with the Magpies in dire need of a boost after defeat at Arsenal, the Toon chief won't take any hints of a return lightly with Champions League action still in the balance.
Rocked by Alexander Isak's groin injury, Howe's squad is looking light in certain areas and the task for the summer is simple and clear. Howe said after the game: "I think it is difficult because as soon as we get one or two injuries we are stretched and we have said that ever since I've been here.
"I think everybody is well aware that we are light. We lost two first-team players in January and didn't replace, and that's two players gone.
"Then you lose Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Lewis Hall and Alexander Isak and you do become stretched. Then you lose your firepower from the bench to a degree.
"The players we have are developing and forging a career in the Premier League (Miley, Osula etc). I think they are good players and did do well when they came on, it is no slight on them but we lost a bit of firepower."
Trophy taunt shuts down some Arsenal fans
Just before the final whistle and with the Gunners 1-0 up, there was a bit of gloating from the home fans as their side closed down on three points. But with Mikel Arteta detailing why his side needed to stay focused on their dream of winning a "big trophy" with a PA address, Newcastle fans did not hesitate to make their point.
Arteta had said: "It was emotional because of the way I feel and it's great. We had a dream, I said it out there, to deliver a big trophy this season for our people and because I think the team deserved it as well in the journey that we've been together in the last three or four years. We haven't achieved that and there are a lot of factors and a lot of situations that we've been through for the last nine and a half months that are not happening but make sure that we're still valid."
There is a list of honours that curves around the stands at the Emirates from the North Bank to the Clock Stand. But it stops at 2020 when Arsenal won their last trophy in the form of the FA Cup.
For once, Newcastle have one over Arsenal given they have not won a trophy more recently than Arteta and co. Just before the end a loud chant of 'you've never won f--- all' boomed from the away end.
On the day after Arsenal's London rivals Crystal Palace won the FA Cup, it looked like it hurt for the home fans near the Press box.
Eddie Howe's rallying cry
It's simple - beat Everton and Newcastle United will be in the Champions League next season. They have a better goal difference and the home crowd behind them.
Final day nerves may also come into it but against an Everton team who have nothing to play for, you'd fancy Newcastle have the edge. Last season battling from Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea means it is tight while all eyes will be on Man City's clash against Bournemouth.
But Howe summed it up nicely in his Press conference when he said: "When you look on to the next game, we know what we have to do. It’s not going to be easy, but our home form has been strong and we’ve really enjoyed playing there.
"The players are used to big games, there’s going to be none bigger than this, but I’m sure the Newcastle supporters will make it an unbelievable atmosphere for us."
The trip to Arsenal may yet prove to be a small blip in what has been a fantastic campaign.