Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton is set to miss the rest of the 2023-24 season after undergoing surgery on his thigh.
The Brazilian was forced off in Newcastle's 3-0 win over Sunderland in the FA Cup earlier this month and missed the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in the following match as a result. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe initially claimed Joelinton would be out for at least six weeks with the injury.
But a decision has since been made to operate on the 27-year-old's damaged thigh ligaments. Joelinton had surgery on Tuesday, January 23 with the operation likely to keep him out for the remainder of the season.
An update on Joelinton's status following surgery will be provided by Eddie Howe this Friday ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round trip to Fulham. Newcastle will be hoping to welcome some players back from injury in the coming matches with the likes of Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson close - Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Matt Targett could also return next month.
Newcastle currently sit 10th in the Premier League table and have seen their season significantly hampered by injuries in recent months. Fulham are the last Premier League side Howe's team have beaten with eight of their last nine matches against top-flight sides ending in defeat.
Here is Newcastle United's current injury list and expected return dates...
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