Newcastle United have a big injury concern regarding Joelinton during what remains of the season.
Joelinton has been a huge part of Newcastle United’s success this season, putting in a fearsome performance as Eddie Howe’s side won the Carabao Cup against Liverpool last month.
Sadly, however, Joelinton is now set to see a knee specialist after picking up an injury during training.
That is a huge blow for the Newcastle United manager.
Clearly, the severity of the situation is yet to have been established but there are not many games left as Howe looks to ensure a return to the Champions League.
While putting any positive spin on the situation is obviously difficult, Howe does at least have options.
With that in mind, here’s a look at how Newcastle could potentially replace Joelinton for the coming games.
Joe Willock brought back into the mix
Joe Willock has been a key player for Newcastle at times.
Still, the 25-year-old has not been at his best this season, albeit he has only actually been handed 10 Premier League starts.
Howe rates Willock highly but the 25-year-old – who has registered two assists – is yet to get going this season, though it’s admittedly hard to do so when restricted to reasonably cameo appearances.
Given his level of experience, however, using Willock as the third midfielder alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali looks the most likely option at this stage considering what’s at stake during what remains of the campaign.
Lewis Miley statement
Lewis Miley is a perhaps more interesting option.
Miley has been linked with a move away from Newcastle, though the manager is seemingly having none of it.
Howe has confirmed Newcastle want to keep Miley and having him replace Joelinton (if necessary) would be a statement of just how highly the manager rates the teenager.
The 18-year-old was excellent when called upon last season but has since struggled for game time, such has the been form of Joelinton, Tonali and Guimaraes in the middle of the park.
However, the Newcastle United academy graduate has previously stepped up when needed and would perhaps be a more interesting option than Willock.
Sean Longstaff’s parting gift
Sean Longstaff is also waiting in the wings.
Longstaff is expected to leave Newcastle this summer but that does not mean he can’t enjoy what could be a fine end to his career with the club.
Howe thinks Longstaff is better when starting a game and perhaps that could see him thrust back into the picture from the off.
Full of running and having impressed at times this season, he’s arguably a less dynamic option than the other two but has proven reliable before.
If the end is coming for Longstaff at Newcastle, helping secure a return to the Champions League would be some parting gift.
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