Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has now explained why Joelinton is ‘so crucial’ for the St James’ Park outfit. The Magpies manager has also addressed his team’s injury concerns.
The Toon are dealing with a clutch of issues ahead of hosting Liverpool in the evening kick-off on Saturday. Joe Willock and Callum Wilson are doubts for the Premier League clash on Tyneside. But Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin should both be in contention to play.
Newcastle lost Willock to a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth last Saturday. But Howe is confident the issue will not keep the midfielder out of their Carabao Cup final with Manchester United. The Toon and Red Devils meet at Wembley on the 26th.
“I think he will be doubtful tomorrow,” Newcastle boss Howe stated of Willock’s injury, via quotes by Chronicle Live. “I don’t think it’s a big injury at all, it’s very minor, he complained about his hamstring. Definitely, there is a chance of playing [against Manchester United].”
Howe added that Almiron and Saint-Maximin “have been back training and they are fine”. While Wilson “has done well. We said at the time it is a very minor complaint for him, he hasn’t trained yet. We hope he trains today.” A hamstring issue sidelined Wilson last week.
Howe hails Joelinton’s importance as Newcastle manage their injury plight
Newcastle’s injury plight has also seen Howe laud the importance of Joelinton to the Toon squad. He hails how important the Brazilian has become at St James’ through his ability to play in multiple positions. He is currently playing in midfield with Bruno Guimaraes banned.
“If you get a lot of injuries in one position, you’ll be in a difficult position,” Howe said, via quotes by BBC Sport. “That’s where versatility is crucial. Joelinton has played in a number of positions and that’s why he’s so crucial for us.”
Guimaraes will serve the final game of his three-match ban for a red card against Liverpool this Saturday. He missed Newcastle’s 1-1 draws with West Ham United and Bournemouth for his challenge on Southampton’s Sam Edozie in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Joelinton held down the left-wing role in Howe’s Newcastle side while Guimaraes featured with Willock and Sean Longstaff in the midfield. The 26-year-old can also feature from the right flank or through the centre of the Toon attack. But Howe revived his career in midfield.
The Brazilian struggled to justify his £40m transfer from TSG Hoffenheim in 2019 whilst he featured as a striker. But Newcastle handed Joelinton their Player of the Year award for last season after Howe oversaw the £86k-a-week star reinvent himself from their engine room.
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