Newcastle United have now been dealt an injury blow as Joelinton is set to miss the next few matches.
The midfielder was absent from Newcastle’s victory over Brentford yesterday, and Eddie Howe has now revealed that he picked up an injury during the international break.
Newcastle ended a three-match losing streak to secure victory over the Bees, and now face a tough trip to the San Siro to face AC Milan in their opening Champions League group stage match.
Speaking after the Brentford game, Howe confirmed that Joelinton will miss some upcoming games, including the trip to Milan, in a huge blow for the Magpies.
“Joe had a reoccurrence to his knee injury playing for Brazil, in the second game, and it looks like he’ll be missing for a few weeks,” Howe stated.
A huge blow for Newcastle
Joelinton will be a big miss against Milan, in a game where the midfield will need to be at their best to keep control in a tough environment.
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With Sandro Tonali also an injury doubt, the injury to the Brazilian has come at the worst possible time for Eddie Howe.
Joelinton was described as “brilliant” by Jamie Carragher when he started to become a crucial player, and his physicality in the middle of the park will be missed in the coming weeks.
Newcastle can take some consolation that Milan were soundly beaten 5-1 by their rivals Inter yesterday, but there could have been more confidence in a positive result if Joelinton was available for the big away game.
The 27-year-old would have provided the legs to help Bruno Guimaraes and potentially Tonali to thrive at the San Siro, and Sean Longstaff may be the best replacement for him given that he can also provide energy in the centre.
If Joelinton does miss the next few weeks, he could also miss the Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City, as well as an away trip to Sheffield United, and Newcastle will hope to have him back soon.