Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder has suffered a stop-start season
Joelinton prepares to give his shirt to a supporter after the match between Manchester City and Newcastle United
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Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton admits his season has still yet to get properly going amid his ongoing fitness and injury struggles.
The Brazilian returned to the Magpies squad last week after three weeks out with a groin issue, the third time he has been on the sidelines this term with an injury.
Joelinton featured as a late substitute in Baku against Qarabag in midweek, and was used from the bench again by Eddie Howe on Saturday against Manchester City. He produced a combative performance at the Etihad, picking up a yellow card after a series of fouls, and he admits he is feeling his way back to his best form.
However, with the goal of a World Cup squad place in his sights, and with the Magpies missing his close friend and teammate Bruno Guimaraes for up to eight weeks, the 29-year-old has vowed to keep working hard to help the team and his own personal target.
“It's been a stop-and-go season for me with all the injuries on my adductor muscle,” he said. “I'm happy to be back, especially with the team already missing Bruno.
“I'm still not at my best, but hopefully I can help the team and also try a stop in the World Cup with Brazil.”
Joelinton was axed by Brazil for their games in the November international break as he struggled for form in the first part of the season, and now has a battle on his hands to convince Samba boss Carlo Ancelotti that he is worthy of a place in the squad for the World Cup finals at the end of the season.
He faces competition from the likes of Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, Casemiro of Manchester United and Andrey Santos, of Chelsea. Guimaraes is likely to be fit before the end of the campaign after his hamstring tear.
The Newcastle skipper is back in Brazil as he continues his rehab but despite being thousands of miles away, he remains in contact with his teammates.
“He's [Guimaraes] in contact with us all the time, even while in Brazil,” said Joelinton. “It's hard to be without him, he's our captain, a very important player, a leader. But now it's time for each one of us to step up to try to make up for it.”
Joelinton is expected to start the Champions League second leg tie against Qarabag on Tuesday night, his first start since limping off against Aston Villa. With Newcastle 6-1 up from the first leg, talk has already turned to whether they'll face Barcelona or Chelsea in the round of 16.
“We first need to win the game on Tuesday,” Joelinton added. “But, if we qualify, it's hard to pick between such strong teams - maybe I'd prefer to face Barcelona as I've never played at Camp Nou.”
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