Newcastle United have been rocked by a potential major injury blow with Brazilian midfielder Joelinton risking being ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
Joelinton was forced off during Newcastle's 3-0 FA Cup win over Sunderland earlier this month with a quad injury. Eddie Howe has officially ruled the player out for 'a minimum of six weeks' though this could be extended significantly should he require surgery to fix the issue.
Various reports claim Joelinton may need an operation and Newcastle are waiting on a decision to be made.
Speaking about Joelinton’s injury ahead of Saturday’s game with Manchester City, head coach Eddie Howe said: “The prospects over the next couple of weeks aren’t good.
"It’s an injury that will make him miss a minimum of six weeks. He’s a huge player for us, it’s a big blow. He’s had a stop-start season.
“He’s got a problem with the tendon in his quad. It’s a very difficult place to get an injury, hence the timeframe. He’s very disappointed. We’ve had to do a job of picking Joe up because he’s very disappointed.”
Joelinton has suffered various set-backs already this season with various thigh issues, having only recently returned from a hamstring injury.
It is yet another injury blow for The Magpies, who are once again into double figures in terms of unavailable players.
Here is Newcastle United's injury list and expected return dates as things stand...
1. Jacob Murphy (calf)
Felt a tight calf in the warm-up at Nottingham Forest that rendered him 'unusable' for the match. Expected return: AFC Bournemouth (H) - 17/02
2. Callum Wilson (chest)
Wilson managed to complete 90 minutes at Nottingham Forest but ended the match with his arm in a makeshift sling. Eddie Howe said after the game that he hopes the injury is not serious but it was too soon to tell. It has since been revealed the striker suffered a pectoral injury in his chest. Expected return: TBC
3. Alexander Isak (groin)
Newcastle's top scorer was forced off during Tuesday's 3-1 win at Aston Villa with a groin issue. While it's not thought to be serious, Eddie Howe said he could be out for the next couple of games Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
4. Matt Targett (hamstring)
Matt Targett has been on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Manchester United. The left-back had surgery on his hamstring in November and given a three month recovery time. Howe has since confirmed Targett is back on the grass but not running just yet. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02