Newcastle welcome Sunderland to St James' Park on Sunday in the hotly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby
Joelinton will be keen to right Newcastle wrongs against Sunderland
Joelinton will be keen to right Newcastle wrongs against Sunderland(Image: Europa Press 2026)
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As Newcastle United limped to a dismal 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, it is easy to forget about one key player who was missing from their team at the Stadium of Light.
Joelinton could only watch on from the bench as he continued his recovery from injury as the Magpies succumbed to defeat at the home of their greatest rivals.
And that was a source of frustration for the Brazilian international who felt his side did not produce the performance they expected of themselves on Wearside.
"It still hurts," Joelinton told Newcastle's matchday programme ahead of their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace back in January..
"It's still painful to me and was a sad day, especially not playing, not being on the pitch and [be able to] do something.
"You never want to lose a derby. After so many years, to play them... we just didn't play the way we wanted, so it still hurts and it's going to hurt until the next game, until we beat them.
"I can't wait for that day. I think a lot about the next game against them and I hope it comes fast."
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Joelinton is fit this time around, though, and has been key to Newcastle's upturn in form in recent weeks - the second half capitulation at Barcelona aside.
His combative style of play and physical qualities could be key in driving Newcastle's standards on the day, particularly in the absence of club captain Bruno Guimaraes through injury.
And Howe is confident Joelinton can channel the frustration of missing out on the first derby match between the two sides as fuel to make him a 'difference maker' for Newcastle on Sunday.
"Joe is a massive player for us in these big games," Howe told Chronicle Live.
"Going back to that game he was a player we couldn't use and we have had a few instances like that this season where big players have not been able to help us and there is nothing more frustrating for them when you feel you can make the difference. When you feel you can bring different qualities that you feel that the team are missing and you are not able to deliver it.
"I know Bruno is feeling that frustration currently. It is the same for Lewy Miley, for Fabian Schar. They are huge players for us that we have really missed.
"But I think if you are then able to deliver a performance for us and you are fit then that should give you extra incentive because Joe, now, is in a really good place and playing well for us.
"He will have all of that stored in him where he could potentially be the difference maker for us and we are looking for all of our players to stand up and be potential match winners for us."
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