Eddie Howe says Joelinton is highly unlikely to feature for Newcastle United again this season due to his latest knee injury.
The 28-year-old missed Newcastle’s Premier League 3-0 win against Ipswich Town last weekend, with the Brazilian attending an appointment with a specialist to determine the extent of his injury.
He has suffered from knee problems in the past, including this season, missing five matches earlier this year as a result, and he has been advised to rest for the final four games of the campaign. Joelinton will definitely not feature at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
“The likelihood is it’ll be difficult I think, but with Joe you’ll never rule him out,” Howe said, when asked if Joelinton would feature again this season. “He’s so motivated to try and come back. A bit of discomfort in his knee last week before the game, he sought specialist opinion.
“Nothing serious but he needed a period of rest. He’s now in Brazil. We’ll see if we can get him back by the end of the season, but probably not. I wouldn’t say it’s a new injury, but it’s a related injury and it just need a bit of rest.”
Sven Botman, however, came through his return from his own injury last weekend unscathed and is set to feature during the run as third-placed Newcastle look to secure Champions League qualification.
“Yeah, he came through (fine),“ Howe said about Botman’s fitness. ”He’s trained well this week, looks good and so a big positive to have him back.”
Howe has also suggested that Jamaal Lascelles, the club captain, is unlikely to play at all throughout 2024-25. He has yet to make an appearance this season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, but has returned to first-team training.
“He’s making good progress,“ Howe said. ”Really pleased with how he’s looked. It’s been a slow, steady return. It’s certainly not been rushed. Possibly he could be involved by the end of the season but it’ll depend on injuries within the squad. Possibly for Jamaal it may be better for next season, but he’s done all of the work.”
(Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)