Report: Joelinton should be fit for Bournemouth game next week

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Joelinton should reportedly be fit for Newcastle United’s game against Bournemouth next week.

That is according to the Chronicle, who believe the 26-year-old will be ready to play in the Carabao Cup after suffering an injury scare in Saudi Arabia.

The Brazilian started Newcastle’s Diriyah Season Cup win over Al Hilal, beginning the game in centre-midfield. He then moved to the left flank after Chris Wood’s injury, scoring two goals in the first half.

Then an injury scare forced Joelinton off as well, with Elliot Anderson taking his place in the 56th minute. While Newcastle went on to score three more goals, it looked like it had come at a price.

A muscle strain forced the Magpies’ number seven off, but the Chronicle believe it shouldn’t keep him out of the return to domestic football next week.

Newcastle take on Bouremouth in the fourth round of the League Cup on December 21st – their first game after the World Cup.

It is an important game for Eddie Howe, who should be able to name Joelinton in his starting lineup. But where he plays may depend on other fitness concerns Newcastle have.

Joelinton’s position against Bournemouth will depend on how fit other players are

While Joelinton should be fit to face Bournemouth, we are yet to receive an update on Wood’s injury status. He suffered a back injury against Al Hilal, which is a major concern given our current striker situation.

Alexander Isak is in a race against time to be fit for the Bournemouth game, while it is unclear when Callum Wilson will be available again following England’s exit from the World Cup.

That could mean Allan Saint-Maximin is forced to play up front next Wednesday night, meaning there will be a space on the left flank.

Newcastle have plenty of options to fill it, one of which is Joelinton. That’s where he played in our last competitive game, where he was described as ‘dominant‘ by Alan Shearer.

Another performance like that against Bournemouth would certainly boost our chances of progressing to the next round of the cup, as Howe looks to make 2023 the year that our trophy drought comes to an end – even if we did get one for winning that friendly in Saudi Arabia last week!