Joelinton Set to Miss Final Games of the Season Due to Knee Injury

Newcastle United’s midfielder Joelinton is unlikely to play in the club’s final four matches of the season, according to manager Eddie Howe. The Brazilian has been fighting a chronic knee ailment. This ailment has already caused him to miss five games earlier this season. Joelinton says he has seen specialists for his chronic pain. Unfortunately, he’s not expected to be back until the regular season is over at this point.

When Eddie Howe first talked to the media on Friday before the Luton game, he was clearly worried about Joelinton. However, Johnston reiterated that the club has been expecting no return for the midfielder in the final matches. It could mean a potential opportunity for Newcastle to exploit Joelinton’s absence. They are currently in third place in the Premier League on 62 points, one point ahead of Manchester City on 61 points.

Newcastle’s Offensive Strength

Though Joelinton’s absence is a blow, Newcastle have still got to be buoyed by the performances of forward Alexander Isak. It’s hard to overstate just how good Isak has looked this season. He has tallied 22 goals, making him second on the Premier League scoring charts, one behind Mohamed Salah. His leadership has been crucial in keeping Newcastle at the top of the league table over the past two years.

Howe praised Isak’s performance, emphasizing the importance of his goals as Newcastle aims for a strong finish to the season. “There’s a lot to look forward to; hopefully, the end of the season is going to be crucial for us,” he remarked. With Joelinton now absent for the last few matches, Isak’s scoring prowess will be crucial.

Defensive Resilience

In a further boost to Newcastle, defender Sven Botman has returned to full fitness. He has since been declared fit to participate in Sunday’s league clash with Brighton & Hove Albion. Botman’s return sees Newcastle fully stocked in the back line as they move into the business end of their season. Howe said he was sure of Botman’s readiness, adding that the defensive anchor’s availability will provide some level of steadiness to the backline during this tiring stretch.

Despite these draws, Howe must find a way to remain optimistic in building a better squad than this year. He mentioned, “If I’m going to build a squad, I want the strongest squad possible for next season.” This commitment to strengthening the team reflects Howe’s long-term vision for Newcastle United as they aim to solidify their position among England’s elite clubs.