Eddie Howe will definitely be missing one key player for Newcastle United’s game against Everton.
The Magpies entertain the Toffees on Sunday, as they get set for their final Premier League game of the season.
It is a pivotal one too, as Newcastle United aim to qualify for the Champions League.
The atmosphere inside St James’ Park should be electric, as the fans prepare to push Eddie Howe’s side over the line and return to Europe’s elite competition.
However, there is one Newcastle United player who the Toon Army will not be roaring on this Sunday.
Midfielder ruled out of Newcastle United vs Everton
That is Joelinton.
The £40million midfielder has missed the Magpies’ previous four games, with Joelinton suffering a knee injury.
It had been reported that Joelinton thought he could play again this season, but Howe has confirmed that will not be the case.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Everton game, the Newcastle United manager provided an update on the Brazilian enforcer’s fitness.
“No, Joelinton won’t be back,” Howe said.
“He has had another injection in his knee. He is making good progress, we envisage he will be back pre-season with no problems.”
Whether Alexander Isak will play against Everton
While Joelinton is not going to be fit enough to play against Everton this weekend, there is a chance that Alexander Isak could return.
The 25-year-old missed Newcastle’s defeat to Arsenal with a groin problem.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
The Magpies suffered without their leading scorer, resulting in panic over his availability for Sunday’s Champions League decider.
It has been reported that Isak is 50/50 to face Everton, with Howe admitting that the Swedish striker could be back in the squad.
On Isak, Howe said: “Alex is doing okay, hasn’t trained with us yet but has made good progress. Next few days will be crucial to his availability for the weekend. There is a chance, we will only play him if he is fit to contribute. We will leave the decision on Alex until tomorrow.”
If Isak is not able to start, Howe must decide who plays up front.
Callum Wilson started against Arsenal, but struggled to have an impact. Gary Neville said Wilson will be disappointed with his performance at the Emirates, as he edges closer towards the expiration of his contract.
Howe’s other alternatives are handing Will Osula his first Premier League start of the season, or asking Anthony Gordon to play centrally.
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