Newcastle will be hoping Joelinton returns for the visit of Aston Villa on Thursday (3pm GMT) as the midfielder continues his recovery from an injury that left him hospitalized following their Carabao Cup win at home to Brentford on Wednesday.
Midfielder Joelinton was substituted at half-time after a challenge with Nathan Collins and did not participate in the Magpies' 4-0 win over Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday due to his suspension.
“He's had various facial injuries… a few stitches in and around his ear,” manager Eddie Howe said. We'll see how it is (Monday).”
Joelinton started all 20 of Newcastle's matches in all competitions before leaving for the trip to Portman Road.
Eddie Howe about Aston Villa:
“We played two games against Aston Villa last season. This will be a really good challenge for us. I think they have good depth in their team, and they have some really good players. Their style is very difficult to play against, very well coached, very good… pic.twitter.com/7o1WOXwJji
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Newcastle injuries
Howe said Joe Willock was “fine” after receiving treatment at Ipswich for a head injury. “Keeping Joe fit for the long term is now really important,” he added. “He has done hard work to get back to fitness after a very difficult period for him.”
Willock missed much of last season with hamstring and Achilles injuries but has featured in all but three of his side's matches in 2024/25.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope has missed the last three matches due to a knee injury, while defender Emil Krafth is recovering from a broken collarbone.
Eddie Howe on the holiday schedule:
“All the reasons to be excited about those games (against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur), I've been really happy with the way we've played in recent games, and I think we need to address that next week.” we… pic.twitter.com/KaUUIbJxlw
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Nick Pope “feels strong”
“Nick Pope is doing well,” Howe said, admitting he did not know when the 32-year-old would be able to return.
“He was given a time frame initially where he had to rest. He has had two injections in his knee and he is feeling better and feeling strong.
“(Krafth) is back on the grass running. The important thing for him is communication when he is introduced back into group training.
Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:
“Jacob is very unselfish, he always plays for the team, he really enjoys creating goals, he's always been that way. Those are qualities that every team needs.” pic.twitter.com/AJd126dCxQ
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Newcastle vs Villa
Newcastle occupies eighth place in the English Premier League, after defeating Leicester City 4-0 at home in their previous league match on December 14.
Villa is two points ahead of them in sixth place after achieving their third victory in four league matches with a 2-1 victory over their guest Manchester City on Saturday.
