Eddie Howe has hinted who will replace Joelinton for Newcastle United against Brighton

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Newcastle United need someone to step up in the absence of Joelinton.

The Magpies are set to be without the 28-year-old for the rest of the season, with Joelinton suffering a knee injury.

Eddie Howe confirmed the news on Friday ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Brighton.

Joelinton missed the win over Ipswich Town, with Joe Willock taking his place in midfield. However, it was not Willock’s best Newcastle performance.

Ahead of facing Brighton, supporters have pondered who should join Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in midfield. Lots of Newcastle fans want Lewis Miley to play, but Howe has hinted that the 19-year-old will not get the chance to start at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.

Eddie Howe has ‘faith’ in Joe Willock after Joelinton injury is confirmed

Ahead of facing Brighton, Howe has spoken to the media.

The Newcastle United manager was asked about Willock, before hinting that the 25-year-old is going to retain his place in the starting XI.

“We have a lot of faith in Joe and he’s a like for like replacement [for Joelinton],” he said.

“He’s got goalscoring instincts, is an attack minded player, very quick and athletic, a good ball carrier.

“Joe has had some important contributions this season, most notably in the Carabao Cup where he’s scored some big goals for us.

“No doubting his quality but he probably needs that run of games to be at his very best so hopefully he can show that.”

What is next for Lewis Miley at Newcastle United

With Howe insisting that Willock is a like-for-like replacement for Joelinton and is someone who will benefit from a run of games, it feels all but certain that he will start against Brighton.

That will be disappointing for Lewis Miley, who has only started one Premier League game all season. That came in the 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.

However, the Toon wonderkid’s time will come.

Newcastle expect to use Miley more next season, especially with the club set to be in Europe.

• READ MORE: Who is Lewis Miley? Age, Height, Position, Salary, School, Brothers

Howe is keen for Newcastle to build their team around Miley in the future, despite claims that he is attracting interest from elsewhere. In the manager’s eyes, Miley is going nowhere.

While it looks like Willock is going to be starting between now and the end of the season, Miley will still have an important role to play. Newcastle need depth, and Miley will provide that as he and his teammate aim to secure Champions League qualification.