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. Matt Targett (achilles)
Targett has been missing since picking up a hamstring injury against Man Utd back in November. He has featured on the bench in their last couple of outings before dropping out v West Ham and Everton in what is understood to be a minor setback in his recovery. Expected return: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - 13/04 | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves with a calf injury. He has since been ruled out for over a month. Set for another couple of weeks out at least. Expected return: Crystal Palace (A) - 24/04 | Getty Images
3. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away and isn't expected back until 'late April'. Expected return: Sheffield United (H) - 27/04 | Getty Images
4. Tino Livramento (ankle)
Livramento picked up a twisted ankle injury at Chelsea which ruled him out for the Manchester City trip. He returned against West Ham United before suffering another ankle injury which will keep him out for another couple of weeks. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05 | Getty Images