Newcastle United team news ahead of the Premier League trip to Leeds United on Saturday.
The Magpies feared the worst on Monday night when the pair withdrew during the second half of the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool.
Tonali, despite attempting to play on, went off with a shoulder issue before Joelinton left the pitch visibly upset with a muscle problem.
Howe admitted immediately after the game that it didn’t look good for either player, but further assessment indicates that the pair are set to avoid a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Newcastle United injury update on Joelinton & Sandro Tonali
Joelinton is ruled out of Saturday’s trip to Leeds United but could return after the international break. The same goes for Tonali, although he is “battling” to be involved at Elland Road.
“Relatively good news on both players,” Howe said. “I think when they left the pitch, I feared they might be out long-term, because it didn't look good for either.
“But Joelinton's scan was relatively good. He will miss this weekend, but there's a chance he could be available the other side of the international break.
“And similar with Sandro, really. I think his injury isn't serious. He's battling to try and be fit for tomorrow. Whether he makes it or not, I'm not sure. But again, really positive signs, because we did fear that we were going to lose him for longer.
“There was no dislocation, thankfully, because that would have been, of course, a much longer-term injury. I'm probably better off not giving you the science behind it because I don't actually know too much. But I think he's just dealing with pain.
“If he can deal with his pain, he can play. But he's still sore. The movement in his arm is reduced currently, or it was yesterday. So, we'll see how he is today. He's saying he wants to give it every chance to play. But we need him 100 per cent fit if he does.”
Newcastle United confirm unexpected boost
Newcastle continue to be without wantaway striker Alexander Isak, while Anthony Gordon begins his three-match ban following his straight red card against Liverpool.
But the Magpies will be boosted by Fabian Schar’s availability. It was feared the Swiss centre-back had picked up a concussion on Monday but he has been passed fit to play in West Yorkshire.
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Howe said: “No, Fabian is available. We followed Premier League protocols regarding concussion with the doctor, and he should be fit and fine to play.”
Eddie Howe previews Leeds United vs Newcastle United
Looking ahead to the visit to Elland Road, Howe said: “Yes, I think every time we've been to Elland Road, we've experienced the atmosphere, the feeling in the stadium that the Leeds supporters try and create. I think it's very good. It's very strong home support. So we know that the start of the game is going to be really important for us.
“Having watched their game against Everton, I thought they played very, very well. And even early parts of the Arsenal game, I thought they were strong in the game. So I think they've invested well. They've got some good players. And Daniel [Farke] has done an unbelievable job there.”
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