Newcastle hope Joelinton will return for the visit of Aston Villa on Thursday (3pm GMT) as the midfielder continues his recovery from an injury that caused him to be taken to hospital after their Carabao Cup win at home to Brentford on Wednesday.
Midfielder Joelinton was replaced at half-time after a challenge with Nathan Collins and was not involved in the Magpies’ 4-0 win at Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday because he was suspended.
“He had various facial injuries… a couple of stitches in and around his ear,” said manager Eddie Howe. “We will see how he is [on Monday].”
Joelinton had started all 20 of Newcastle’s games in all competitions before sitting out the trip to Portman Road.
Eddie Howe on Aston Villa:
“We had two games against Aston Villa last season. This will be a really good challenge for us. I think they have good depth in their squad, they have some really good players. Their style is very difficult to play against, very well coached, very well… pic.twitter.com/7o1WOXwJji
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Newcastle injuries
Howe said Joe Willock is “fine” after receiving treatment at Ipswich for a head injury. “To keep Joe fit for a sustained spell is now really important,” he added. “He has done the hard work to get back fit after a really difficult time for him.”
Willock missed much of last season through hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries but has featured in all but three of his side’s matches in 2024/25.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope has missed the last three games with a knee injury, while defender Emile Krafth is recovering from a broken collarbone.
Eddie Howe on the festive schedule:
“Every reason for us to be excited about those games [against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur], I have been really pleased with how we have played in recent games, and I think we need to take that into the next week. We… pic.twitter.com/KaUUIbJxlw
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Nick Pope ‘feeling strong’
“Nick Pope is doing OK,” said Howe, conceding that he did not know when the 32-year-old will be able to return.
“He was given a timeframe initially where he had to rest. He’s had a couple of injections in his knee and is feeling better and feeling strong.
“[Krafth is] back on the grass and running. The big thing for him will be contact when he is introduced back into group training.”
Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:
“Jacob is very selfless, he always plays for the team, really takes a buzz out of creating a goal, he has always been that way. Those qualities every team needs.” pic.twitter.com/AJd126dCxQ
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Newcastle vs Villa
Newcastle are eighth in the Premier League, having also beaten Leicester City 4-0 at home in their preceding league game on December 14.
Villa are two points above them in sixth after recording their third win in four league games with a 2-1 home victory over Manchester City on Saturday.
