Joelinton endured a tough return to the Brazil side after being Newcastle United’s hero in the Carabao Cup final.
The 28-year-old put in a monstrous display against Liverpool on Sunday, with many believing Joelinton was Newcastle’s best player at Wembley.
He played a pivotal role in Newcastle United ending their trophy drought, before immediately heading on international duty to represent his country. Joelinton was delighted to be recalled by Brazil, having not played for the Selecao since November 2023.
However, Joelinton’s return did not go to plan.
Brazilian media rate Joelinton’s performance vs Colombia
Newcastle’s number seven was named on the bench for Brazil against Colombia, but was quickly introduced.
He came on in the 28th minute to replace Gerson, deployed in midfield alongside his Toon teammate Bruno Guimaraes.
13 minutes later, Joelinton was at fault for Colombia’s equaliser. He cheaply gave away possession on the edge of his own box, which resulted in Luis Diaz making it 1-1.
Fortunately for Joelinton, who was also booked, Brazil went on to win 2-1 thanks to Vinicius Junior’s stoppage time goal.
But the Brazilian media were not kind towards the Newcastle midfielder, with Globo Esporte giving Joelinton a score of 4/10.
They wrote: “He came on poorly. In addition to losing the ball at the edge of the area during the Colombian goal, he gave space to his back and arrived late in some disputes. He received a fair yellow card. In the 39th minute of the second half, he caused danger with a shot from the edge of the area.”
Goal also gave Joelinton 4/10, writing: “Came into the match early due to a Gerson injury and immediately committed an error, leading to Colombia’s opening goal. He recovered well in the second half, but that mistake loomed large until Vini’s winner.”
Joelinton nearing a suspension with Newcastle United
Next up for Joelinton is another World Cup qualifier, with Brazil facing Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Bruno Guimaraes is suspended, but Joelinton will hope to feature despite his disappointing display against Colombia.
After that, Joelinton will return to Tyneside for the final 10 games of the Premier League campaign, as the Magpies chase Champions League qualification.
Eddie Howe will look to rely heavily on Joelinton in those remaining games, which is why a looming suspension is a concern.
The £40million man currently has nine bookings to his name this season. If he receives a 10th in the next four games, he will receive a two-match ban. Bookings are wiped after the 32nd game of the campaign.
Joelinton is certainly walking the disciplinary tightrope, but that is nothing new.
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