Joelinton is a major doubt for Newcastle United’s crunch Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal at St James’ Park.
The midfield enforcer retired early in the 2-1 loss to Fulham after complaining about a knee issue on his right leg. Eddie Howe then withdrew the star immediately and he has since been assessed at the training ground, but the alarm bells were ringing for the South American when he was pictured wearing a knee brace.
I’d say he is a doubt but we’ll give him every minute we can to try and make him fit. We have good strength in depth in that position currently. Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley – all three quality players who bring something slightly different – can all step in.
“Obviously, Joelinton is unique, and that’s why we’ll give him every chance to be fit.”
Joelinton’s injury puts Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff and ex-Arsenal man Joe Willock on standby. It would be a huge call to thrust teenager Miley into the fray for such a vital game but Newcastle boss Howe said: “Lewis, I think, is in a great place. He’s been in that place for a while, he’s trained regularly and built that momentum up from the training that we deliver.
