Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed that Brazilian midfielder Joelinton is likely to miss the season after suffering knee injury which has him sidelined since April 20.
Joelinton, who picked up knee issue during training, missed last weekend’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town, having flown back to Brazil after specialist consultation on knee discomfort.
The absence of the 28-year-old, who has 22 goals and 10 assists in 185 top-flight appearances, will deliver a significant setback in the club’s push for Champions League qualification with only four Premier League fixtures remaining.
Newcastle sit third in the table, just two points ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest.
“The likelihood is that it will be difficult [if he will play again this season]. But with Joe you never rule him out. He’s so motivated to try and come back,” Howe said on Friday.
“He had a bit of discomfort in his knee last week before the game so we sought specialist opinion and the opinion was it was nothing serious, but he needed a period of rest, so he’s now in Brazil.
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“We’ll wait and see if we can get him back before the end of the season, but the likelihood is probably not.”
The injury follows his earlier setback in February, when he was sidelined from Feb 2 to Mar 1, missing five matches due to a separate knee problem.
Newcastle now turn to the likes of Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes as they seek a first Premier League away win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
How Joelinton has fared this season?
Brazilian powerhouse Joelinton has been essential to Newcastle’s midfield this season, contributing 4 goals and 3 assists across 29 Premier League appearances.
The versatile £45M-rated midfielder has started every match he’s featured in, adding 2,404 minutes while maintaining a strong 7.05 performance rating.
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