ยท 21 May 2025, 13:30
**Joelinton has been absent from Newcastle United's matchday squads since the Magpies lost to Aston Villa in April.**
The midfield beast had been playing through the pain for a while with a recurring knee problem before the decision was made to send the Brazilian to see a specialist.
Fortunately, the specialist deemed that there was nothing seriously wrong with the 28-year-old's knee, but did say that Joelinton should rest up, which cast doubt over his involvement for the rest of the season.
Eddie Howe has hinted in interviews that Joelinton could return before the Everton game on Sunday, in part due to his determination, but also advised that it would be unlikely.
Joelinton wearing a knee brace in the taxi in Brazil
Joelinton's wife has posted video of Joelinton at home in Brazil to Instagram
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Now, perhaps the biggest hint over Joelinton's involvement on Sunday has dropped from a more unlikely source - the [Instagram of Joelinton's wife, Thays Gondim.](https://www.instagram.com/stories/thaysgondim_/3636669465409975462/)
In a recent post to her Instagram Stories, the pair were seen in a taxi and then at home in Brazil and in the taxi image, you can see the knee brace on the right leg of Joelinton.
Given the presence of the brace and the fact that the couple are in Brazil, I think it's safe to say we'll not be seeing Joelinton at St James' Park on Sunday.
Could this just be elaborate mind games?
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Of course, there is a chance they will return to England for the game, with it being the final game of the season, Joelinton would probably want to be there for that occasion, but as for him playing, we think that's a negative.
Mind, there are no dates on these posts, so there's nothing to say that they aren't from when Joelinton flew back to Brazil a couple of weeks ago, and Thays has been asked to upload them now to throw Everton off the scent.
Now that would be clever!