Eddie Howe is having to deal with injury and suspension heading into a crucial period of games for Newcastle United, but luckily he has Joelinton who he can rely on.
The Magpies face Liverpool on Saturday evening, and will be without two key players in midfield. Bruno Guimaraes serves the final game of his three-match ban, while a hamstring injury will rule Joe Willock out.
It leaves Howe with limited options in midfield, while he has also been sweating on the fitness of some of his forwards. Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin were both forced off against Bournemouth, while Callum Wilson missed the game completely.
Fortunately for Newcastle, Miggy and Maxi are fit to face the Reds. As for Wilson, he is in contention to return to the bench.
But injuries and suspension are stretching Howe’s squad, and that is why the Toon boss believes that a player like Joelinton is so important.
Versatile Joelinton is ‘key’ for Eddie Howe
Howe has spoke to the press ahead of the game against Liverpool. He was asked how disruptive injuries can be when you have a thin squad, like Newcastle do.
“That’s where having versatile players is absolutely crucial,” he said.
“Players that can play in different roles. You’ve seen Joelinton this season – he’s played a number of different roles and that’s why he’s such a key player for us.
“That can give you strength even if you are light in numbers. You know you have the players you can shuffle around.”
Newcastle might not be able to rely on Joelinton for much longer
So far this season we have seen Joelinton play on the left of a midfield three, on the right of a midfield three, as a left winger and most recently as a number six.
He has shown his versatility this season, without actually playing in the position that he was brought in to play – up front.
The 26-year-old has proven that his form last season was not just a flash in the pan. If anything, the Brazilian has been even better this campaign. He is a completely different beast in midfield, and looks incredibly comfortable.
However, he could soon be set for a spell on the sidelines. That is because he is one booking away from a suspension. Joelinton has received nine yellow cards in the league, and one more will result in a two-game ban.
That would be a major blow for Howe, but he will be safe in the knowledge that a yellow card against Liverpool will not rule him out of the Carabao Cup final. The ban would only apply to the Premier League.
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