Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton at St James' Park (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton at St James' Park (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
MATTHIAS JAISSLE is relishing the return of Brazilian “warrior” Joelinton for Monday night’s Premier League clash with Coventry City.
The 30-year-old recently resumed full training after battling a muscle injury which has ruled him out of the whole of the Magpies’ campaign so far.
And his expected return – alongside a number of other names including fellow midfielder Nico Gonzalez – will come as welcome news to Jaissle after an injury-hit start to the season.
Jaissle said: “Joey is progressing well, he is doing better. We need to be smart in our load management.
“Joelinton has qualities on the ball and out of possession, he is a leader and his body language shows that. We need warriors in the team. We are really happy to have him back training with us.”
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The extended international break has helped ease the Magpies’ injury issues, with Dan Burn also likely to return, although second-choice goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen has been ruled out with a hamstring injury picked up with France Under-21s that could sideline him for up to two months.
Jaouen’s absence means Nick Pope is likely to return to the first-team squad at Coventry’s CBS Arena as the cover for first-choice shot-stopper Lukas Hornicek.
Pope was expected to leave Newcastle in the summer, but proposed moves to Ipswich Town and Leeds United failed to materialise, meaning the former England international remained with the Magpies.
“I can only think and say positive words about Nick and I did that already in my first press conferences when you were asking,” said Jaissle, when asked about Pope’s attitude.
“He knows about his role and he reacted really professional on that. So on the pitch, in the training, when we need him, in the friendly like we played, but also off the pitch.
“Of course, due to his experience, he’s also a leader and he refills all the attributes what we need to see from him and we’re all happy that he’s with us.”