Pundit now says there is a £40m reason why Newcastle were so poor against Chelsea

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There was a lot wrong with Newcastle United against Chelsea on Monday night.

The Magpies were beaten 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, with Eddie Howe‘s side producing a massively disappointing display that was lacking in multiple areas.

Defensively, we continue to be a shadow of our former selves. The absence of Nick Pope remains a major issue, and it is one that will not go away until he is fit again.

Elsewhere, there was a lack of intensify further up the pitch. The pressing was far less ferocious, and it allowed Chelsea to bypass our midfield time and time again.

While Joe Willock’s return has boosted our in midfield in recent weeks, old problems returned at Stamford Bridge. Bruno Guimaraes had a rare off night, while Sean Longstaff showed no signs of getting out of the poor run he finds himself in.

There continues to be something wrong with the Magpies’ midfield, and pundit Don Hutchison believes that the issue is Joelinton not being fit and available.

Don Hutchison thinks Newcastle are missing Joelinton

After the game, Toon legend Alan Shearer took to X to state that Chelsea were deserving winners on Monday night.

He received a reply from former Scotland midfielder and Newcastle fan Don Hutchison.

The 52-year-old wrote: “Missing Joelinton like you wouldn’t believe.”

Hutchison later added that Joelinton’s absence is hindering Bruno Guimaraes, admitting that the 26-year-old is ‘completely different‘ with his buddy alongside him.

Newcastle midfield lacks physicality without Joelinton

The Newcastle midfield is much worse without Joelinton. That has been evident since he limped out of the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland back in January.

While Eddie Howe has great runners with incredible engines, he does not have a powerhouse when Joelinton is unavailable. The 27-year-old is physical in all the right ways. He can rough up the opposition and go toe-to-toe with them, ensuring that Newcastle do not get bullied.

That is exactly what is happening right now, with no Toon player capable of putting a tackle in. Bruno in particular can’t, as he is one yellow card away from a two-game suspension.

Not having Joelinton is massively holding Newcastle United back at the moment, which is why it is encouraging that the £40million man could be back before the end of the season.

His return can’t come a moment too soon.