Newcastle United have confirmed that Joelinton has had surgery on his thigh injury picked up earlier this month.
The Brazilian was forced off in Newcastle's 3-0 win over Sunderland in the FA Cup. Head coach Eddie Howe initially stated Joelinton was facing a minimum of six weeks out after sustaining ligament damage but that has now been extended to four months with the club deciding surgery was the best option.
Joelinton's recovery from the operation is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season. But an official update issued by the club suggests that the 27-year-old could be back in action before the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
"Newcastle United can confirm that Joelinton has successfully undergone surgery on a thigh injury sustained earlier this month," the statement read. "The midfielder will now commence a period of rehabilitation overseen by the club’s medical team and is expected to return to action in May 2024.
"Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Joelinton a speedy recovery."
Newcastle's final match of the Premier League season is away to Brentford on May 19 (4pm kick-off). Next up for The Magpies is a trip to Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round.
Should Newcastle manage to progress to the final of the competition for the first time since 1999, their season will be extended to May 25. In the meantime, Howe will be hoping to welcome some key players back to action in the coming weeks. #
Jacob Murphy has returned to training after a dislocated shoulder while Callum Wilson is expected to be back from a calf injury by the end of the month.
Here is Newcastle's current injury list and expected return dates...
1. Jacob Murphy (calf)
Felt a tight calf in the warm-up at Nottingham Forest that rendered him 'unusable' for the match. He hasn't trained as of Friday morning but Howe didn't rule him out against Bournemouth. Expected return: AFC Bournemouth (H) - 17/02
2. Alexander Isak (groin)
Newcastle's top scorer was forced off during Tuesday's 3-1 win at Aston Villa with a groin issue. Eddie Howe said the player would 'probably not' be involved v Bournemouth but has made good progress. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
3. 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. Expected return: Blackburn Rovers (A) - 27/02
4. Joe Willock (Achilles)
Willock has reaggravated an Achilles injury and missed the win over Chelsea in November. Howe described the setback as a ‘massive blow’ and has since been ruled out for the past two months. He is close to a return. Expected return: Blackburn Rovers (A) - 27/02