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Joelinton return gives Newcastle a boost as Jaissle explains where he fits

Joelinton is set to return to Newcastle's squad for Monday night's trip to Coventry, and Matthias Jaissle has offered an encouraging answer to the question on everybody's lips: where does he fit into this new system?

The Brazilian has missed the start of the season with a quad injury. Jaissle sees him as a versatile player and first and foremost a midfielder, also praising his warrior mentality and how vocal and communicative he has been in training.

Jaissle explains where Joelinton fits

Jaissle was clear that his 4-2-3-1 should not be read as two fixed midfield places. Asked whether Joelinton can play in a midfield two at Thursday's press conference, he said:

"It is depending on how you see the formation. Often we start out of the 4-2-3-1 so we play with three midfielders. If the six tends to be slightly higher like we had the approach in the last match then you have two eights. So don't make it as fixed as you may think.

"There are slight differences. If he is five metres higher then we are talking about an eight. If he is then maybe again five metres higher we are maybe talking about a 10. If you are talking about being five metres higher again you are talking about two strikers so let's try and keep it flexible.

"We want to bring the players in the best possible position where they can shine but also where they can help the team."

That flexibility should suit Joelinton. He played in several positions under Howe, even wing-back at times. His ability to win the ball and drive forward gives Jaissle a different option in those midfield roles, while his experience should also help the younger players around him.

Competition for places is welcome

On the question of seven midfielders competing for two places, Jaissle again pointed to the flexibility within his squad:

"Again, you can talk about three spots because many people can play multiple positions. Even some of them can play other positions than the midfield.

"Of course as a coach you prefer always to have the perfect balanced squad but it's never a dream scenario usually happening.

"We are happy with the squad in general and we are trying to bring everyone in the best position like I said and hopefully giving many players game time but they need to deserve it."

Joelinton will have to earn his minutes, and Jaissle has stressed that the returning players' workloads need managing. After a spell when senior options have been so limited, having the Brazilian back to compete for a place is a welcome change.

Whether he starts or gives us something extra from the bench, I'm sure we're all looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch getting stuck in again. We're a different beast with Big Joe fit and firing on all cylinders.

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