Newcastle United have been dealt an injury blow with midfielder Joelinton visiting a specialist to have a knee problem assessed, raising doubts about his availability for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old missed Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town on Saturday, with the Brazilian attending an appointment with a specialist to determine the extent of his injury, with a timeframe for his return as yet unknown.
Joelinton has suffered from knee problems in the past, including this season, missing five matches earlier this year as a result.
But he had started Newcastle’s last seven matches in all competitions, including the 2-1 Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool in March, when he delivered a magnificent performance at Wembley.
Joe Willock replaced Joelinton the line-up for Ipswich and, with Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley also fit and available, Newcastle do have cover in midfield.
Yet with Champions League qualification in the balance — Newcastle were sixth before kick-off against Kieran McKenna’s side, following Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Everton, but would rise to third with a victory — losing Joelinton for the final four fixtures of the season would represent a genuine below to their prospects of returning to Europe’s premier competition for 2025-26.
Newcastle are already guaranteed European football via the UEFA Conference League, due to their League Cup triumph.
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