Newcastle United endured a pretty miserable time of things on Saturday afternoon.
Eddie Howe’s side had a genuine chance to put pressure on fourth-placed Manchester City in the Premier League but threw another game away at St James’ Park.
Newcastle lost 2-1 to Fulham despite taking the lead through Jacob Murphy, meaning it’s now two consecutive defeats at home for Howe.
While the Cottagers are a good team and certainly showed that during the reverse fixture earlier this season, Newcastle simply have to be winning home games in which they have the advantage.
Indeed, this is exactly the kind of result which could cost the club Champions League qualification.
Still, Newcastle have little time to wallow. On Wednesday, Arsenal are in town for the second-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Howe’s side host a big advantage following a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium what feels like an age ago now but performances like the one against Fulham won’t do much to raise confidence.
What they could certainly do without is another injury but a worry has emerged in regards to Joelinton.
Eddie Howe says Newcastle United star was “clearly struggling” against Fulham
The Brazilian was taken off just after the hour mark against Marco Silva’s side, having appeared to have picked up a knock.
While it remains to be seen quite how severe the issue is, Howe admitted it was clearly impacting Joelinton’s level of performance.
A hugely important figure in this Newcastle team, potentially being without him for what is surely the biggest game of the season is a major concern.
“Joelinton was suffering with a knee injury,” confirmed Howe.
“That was a shame, but he was clearly struggling in that second half.”
Joe Willock frustrates Newcastle United fans after audition
Joe Willock was brought on to replace Joelinton but did little to impact the game.
In fact, Newcastle fans were critical of Willock for his cameo, such was the disappointing nature of the day.
Newcastle were not at their best as a whole but a lack of impact from Willock has to be seen as a major concern considering Joelinton’s injury worry.
Sean Longstaff surely has to be considered for a staring berth as a result.
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