Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton is out injured, but is he prepping for a Magpies’ return?
Newcastle United are down to the bare bones when it comes to midfielders right now.
Just when the defensive injury crisis shows signs of easing, with Dan Burn back and Sven Botman hitting form, so midfield starts to fall apart. It’s the tale of a hit and miss, stop-start campaign for the Magpies.
Newcastle are down to just three fit central midfielders. Skipper Bruno Guimaraes has just added to Howe’s woes with what sounds like a hamstring issue. That follows on from knocks to Lewis Miley and Joelinton.
So as things stand just Sandro Tonali, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock remain, although Lewis Hall could do a job in there, should he be needed.
But could there be some light at the end of the tunnel for Eddie Howe, particularly in the midfield engine-room? Maybe.
Joelinton drops recovery path hint - could he be set to make NUFC return?
As is so often the case when he’s nearing a return, Joelinton has gone public with a fresh trim and style at the barbers. It’s rare he posts these messages - like he did this week on Instagram - unless he’s on the recovery trail. So, fingers crossed, he’s not too far away.
Was he getting styled for a Villa Park return in the FA Cup. Right now, it’s too early to tell. Howe will give an update in the pre-match press conference later on Friday morning.
Eddie Howe on Joelinton’s Newcastle United injury
The big Brazilian got injured in the Magpies’ 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa late last month.
Speaking about Joelinton shortly after the following 1-1 draw at Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League. Howe said: “Yeah, so he flew on to Barcelona after the game to get an injection into his groin. It was good news with Joe. The specialist feels he only needs one injection and that means that his return could be quite quick.
“So we're looking at weeks, not months. Slightly unsure as to the exact date yet, but positive news.”
Ahead of the PSG draw, Howe suggested Joelinton would be out for a “few weeks”, which would likely mean missing a further seven games before potentially returning for the Champions League play-off second leg tie at home to Qarabag.
It remains to be seen when the player will return to action - but a fresh trim is definitely a sign that hope is returning.
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