Newcastle United's midfield enforcer is close to a return ahead of the Champions League play-off against Qarabag
Joelinton of Newcastle United participates in the UEFA Champions League League Phase MD 7 match between Newcastle United and PSV Eindhoven
Joelinton is set to be out for weeks through injury(Image: (Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
View Image
Newcastle United star Joelinton is close to a return from a groin injury after impressing Eddie Howe behind the scenes.
The Brazilian has been missing since the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa after suffering a muscle problem. Joelinton travelled to Barcelona for treatment but is eager to be back involved.
With Bruno Guimaraes out for two months, getting Joelinton back on the pitch will be key for Howe. The 29-year-old will be assessed in training before Newcastle fly out to Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
Speaking about Joelinton, Howe said in the build-up to Qarabag: "He's desperate to be back involved, as he normally is, but that's a great sign for us - that means he's feeling good about his body, and he's very positive."
Howe had hinted before the clash against Aston Villa: "Joelinton's doing really well. I don't think he'll make this game, but he's not going to be too far away beyond this game."
Howe is also sweating on the fitness of Lewis Miley who has a thigh injury with the teenager understood to be out for two weeks. Despite the injury woes for Howe in his engine room, he has watched on as improved displays from Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey have given him some good options.
With Sandro Tonali also exploding back into life with a two-goal performance in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Howe is happy with the way his squad have responded to adversity.
Speaking on Ramsey's recent improvement, Howe said: "I’ve got to say he’s done it all with real professionalism. I’ve had no issues with him. He’s worked really hard at his game.
"He’s been very conscientious, really good around the training ground. He’s settling in really well with his team-mates. He has really good friendship groups and looks really happy.
"But there’s nothing better than actually contributing and helping the team win games. There’s no better way to feel part of the Newcastle family than that and I think that will be a big turning point for him."
Ensure our latest Newcastle United headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.