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 (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 has since returned to full training. Expected return: Chelsea (A) - 11/03
2. Lewis Hall - ineligible
Lewis Hall is ineligible to feature against his parent club Chelsea on Monday. Expected return: Manchester City (A) - 16/03
3. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves on Saturday with a calf injury. Following a scan result, Trippier has been ruled out for a few weeks. Expected return: West Ham (H) - 30/03
4. 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. Expected return: Everton (H) - 03/04