Joe Willock can expect to find himself back in the Newcastle United starting XI this weekend, with the 23-year-old experiencing a huge slice of good fortune.
Eddie Howe has left Willock on the bench for Newcastle‘s previous two games after recovering from a hamstring injury.
He was not deemed fit enough to start the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, while he was unable to win his place back for the 2-0 defeat at the Etihad. That is despite the fact that the Athletic claimed that he was in contention to start, while we also predicted that Howe would recall him to the side.
Instead, the £25million man started on the bench as Howe continued with a midfield three of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.
However, the Newcastle boss will be forced into at least one change against Wolves on Sunday, and it gives Willock the opportunity he has been waiting for.
Joelinton suspension creates Newcastle opening for Joe Willock
Newcastle picked up four bookings during the defeat at the Etihad, one of which went to Joelinton. That means he will now serve a Premier League suspension and will miss the Magpies’ next two games.
The 26-year-old is suspended for this weekend’s game against Wolves, then Friday night’s trip to Nottingham Forest. The next time we see the Brazilian in action will be April, when we face Manchester United after the upcoming international break – which Joelinton won’t be involved in after being snubbed by his country.
It is a real blow that Joelinton is unavailable for our next two fixtures, but it hands Willock an easy route back into the side. Having enjoyed such a good season, he will have been extremely disappointed to watch on from the bench – especially during the Carabao Cup final.
It is a simple switch for Howe, who will have no reservations about recalling Willock. It’s not like he was dropped for poor form.
While there might be the temptation to use the Joelinton suspension as a chance to change formation or hand Elliot Anderson another chance, the most likely outcome is that Willock starts against Wolves on Sunday.
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