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The international break might have come at a good time for Newcastle United.

Where last month’s afforded Eddie Howe time to recalculate after falling to three defeats on the spin, this month’s pausing of club competition gives Newcastle the chance to recover players.

Battling across a number of fronts this season was always likely to place a strain on Howe’s squad. Now, however, there is time to get key players back up to speed.

Harvey Barnes is a long-term absentee, while there is reportedly hope Sven Botman will soon return. Joe Willock is also yet to kick a ball in anger.

Then there’s Joelinton.

Such an important figure in Howe’s team since his appointment in November 2021, the Brazilian has missed five games this season with a hamstring injury.

That, however, could soon change.

Eddie Howe expects Joelinton back in time for Crystal Palace game

Indeed, according to The Chronicle, the Newcastle manager is hopeful of having the 27-year-old available for the visit of Crystal Palace to St James’ Park straight after the international break.

After the draw with West Ham on Sunday, the outlet quote Howe as saying: “Ultimately, Joelinton wasn’t close. He hasn’t trained with us yet. Hopefully, he’ll be back for the next game though.”

A really important return for Newcastle

Able to operate both in central midfield and out on the left wing, having the £40m star back will be a huge boost at such a crucial time.

The games come thick and fast after the break. Newcastle play Palace, Dortmund and Wolves – all home games they will be expected to win – as well as Manchester United and Arsenal all in the space of two weeks. Now more than ever, they need at least something approaching their full squad available.

Hailed as a “machine” by teammate Kieran Trippier for his continued excellence during the Howe era, having him back will be a major boost.