It’s the November international break but some Newcastle United stars have been left disappointed as they won’t be playing for their countries this week, especially Joelinton.
Newcastle United will be thankful for the break in domestic action for once after their Premier League form dipped severely over the last month.
It felt like things were finally clicking for Eddie Howe’s side before the October international break, but terrible defeats on the road have soured the mood at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle will have 12 stars jetting off this week to put their club concerns on hold as they play for their nations, with World Cup qualifying campaigns coming to an end.
However, eight stars have missed out on international duty this month, which will be concerning as the World Cup approaches.
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Joelinton – Brazil
Though there was a brief reprieve against Athletic Club, Joelinton’s performances have largely regressed this season and he isn’t being as effective as usual in the midfield three.
Fans have called for him to be dropped from the midfield in favour of Jacob Ramsey, but Carlo Ancelotti has beaten Howe to the punch.
Joelinton hasn’t had many opportunities under the new boss, but when he came on against Japan in a friendly last month, with Brazil winning 2-1, his side lost 3-2.
Now he has been dropped from the squad for the latest doubleheader of friendlies – against Senegal and Tunisia – with just one more international break to go before the World Cup.
It’s come at a terrible time for Joelinton and it must serve as a wake-up call, because if he doesn’t improve quickly, he won’t make the tournament.
Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento & Nick Pope – England
Injuries have dealt a massive blow to Newcastle’s England contingent, with only Dan Burn keeping his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Anthony Gordon has withdrawn with a hip issue, while Nick Pope suffered a concussion at the weekend, which has forced him out in heartbreaking fashion after he earned a call-up for the first time in more than a year.
Tino Livramento remains sidelined, too, while Lewis Hall was instead picked for the Under-21s.
Though the two remaining qualifiers are dead rubbers, there’s not much time left to seal a spot on the plane to North America.
Sven Botman – Netherlands
Malick Thiaw got the call-up he deserved for Germany after some fine recent performances, but Sven Botman has once again been snubbed by the Netherlands.
The centre-back doesn’t have much argument after his mistake against Brentford, but his overall performances this season have been strong.
It doesn’t look like he’ll be making his Netherlands debut in time for the World Cup.
Yoane Wissa – DR Congo
Yoane Wissa remains sidelined, so he won’t be in action for DR Congo as they compete against Cameroon in a World Cup qualifier playoff.
The striker has not yet made his debut for Newcastle after suffering an injury during the September international break.
Emil Krafth – Sweden
It’s now two international breaks in succession in which Emil Krafth has not been called up to the Sweden squad.
He hasn’t missed much, as Anthony Elanga took part in two disastrous home defeats last month, which have put Sweden on the cusp of missing out on the World Cup.
Graham Potter will be hoping to turn things around this week, but it’s not looking promising.
William Osula – Denmark
William Osula didn’t make the Denmark squad last month, either, but can at least this time blame it on the foot injury that saw him miss the last two Newcastle games.
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