Newcastle United suddenly need to fill the void left by Harvey Barnes after the winger sustained an injury on Sunday.
Barnes was named in the starting XI against Sheffield United, but only lasted 12 minutes at Bramall Lane. While Newcastle celebrated a famous 8-0 win, Barnes was downbeat after being forced off.
It has now been stated by Eddie Howe that the 25-year-old is facing months on the sidelines after picking up an ‘unusual’ foot injury. It is a devastating blow for the summer signing, who is yet to truly make his mark in a Newcastle shirt.
The injury also means that the Magpies are suddenly an option light in attack, but news from the club’s training ground on Tuesday could and should give Howe a solution.
Joelinton can take Harvey Barnes’ place on the Newcastle left
Newcastle released training photos on Tuesday ahead of the midweek Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City. And eagle-eyed fans will have noticed that Joelinton was taking part.
The £40million man has been out of action with a knee injury, but Howe recently stated that he could return before the international break. Now it looks like that will be the case, and the timing could not be better.
Joelinton can be the man to take Barnes’ place in attack. The ‘aggressive‘ Brazil international can fill the left wing void that Howe suddenly has, having excelled in that position so many times last season.
While Joelinton is primarily a centre-midfielder nowadays, he can also play as part of a front three. And with Newcastle having a lot of central options, playing out wide could be the best thing for Joelinton.
That would give Howe the chance to either rest Anthony Gordon, or play him on the right.
That kind of versatility is what Howe loves, and it will likely be something he leans on now that Joelinton is back in the aftermath of Barnes’ injury.
With Bruno Guimaraes a guaranteed starter and Sean Longstaff playing so well, there is only one place available in the middle of the park. Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali are competing with each other, while Joe Willock will hopefully be back soon too.
Therefore, Howe can afford to use Joelinton in a more advanced role, and ensure the club does not suffer too much from Barnes’ abscence.
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