The former no.9 is one of the few players with experience of leading the line of attack for Newcastle United
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe speaks to Joelinton
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe speaks to Joelinton
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has ruled out using Joelinton as an emergency centre-forward - despite the striker crisis at St James' Park.
The Brazilian was introduced to fans back in 2019 as a No 9 and thrown in at the deep end as a striker after a £40m move from Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
Since then, insiders have admitted shoving Joelinton into the firing line, after spending portions of his career as a wide man in Germany, was an error.
Howe quickly remedied Joelinton's pain at Newcastle by switching him to a midfielder and the player has never looked back.
However, despite enduring an attacking nightmare with Alexander Isak refusing to play, William Osula suffering a flat pre-season and Callum Wilson leaving the club, Howe is not going to ask Joelinton to return to his old role.
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Howe, who is likely to turn to Anthony Gordon to play striker, said: "I would be reluctant to take Joe away from his now preferred position. I don't think I will be reinventing him the other way again.
"I just think we have to utilise his strengths and his strengths are key for the team. When he plays well, the team invariably plays well too.
"So his ball-winning ability and his physicality in midfield, we need him there."
Another big dilemma for Howe to ponder will be who plays in the heart of defence with Malick Thiaw on board after his £35milllion move from AC Milan, Fabian Schar in contention and Dan Burn also fit and raring to go alongside fit again Sven Botman.
Howe also has club captain Jamaal Lascelles back again after a long-term knee issues.
For many fans Botman and Thiaw would be the dream choice but the head coach dropped a hint on selection ahead of the journey to Villa Park.
Howe said: "That was the plan with Sven. We have to be careful with him, he picked up a slight groin issue but he's back now.
"He trained on Friday then got through 45 minutes on Saturday and I was delighted with him."