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...
9. Sandro Tonali (suspended)
Tonali was handed a 10-month ban from football after breaching Italian betting regulations. This suspension will rule the midfielder out of action for the rest of the season, next summer’s European Championship and the opening weeks of next season. Has since been charged by the FA and awaits potential punishment. Expected return: 27/08/24 | Getty Images
10. Sven Botman (knee)
Botman suffered an ACL injury against Manchester City in the FA Cup and has been ruled-out of action for 'six-to-nine' months. He will undergo surgery after suffering a similar injury earlier this season. Expected return: October-December 2024 | Getty Images
11. Jamaal Lascelles (knee)
Suffered a knee injury early on in the 4-3 win over West Ham United. Later confirmed to be an ACL issue, ruling him out for a lengthy period. Expected return: October-December 2024 | AFP via Getty Images