Newcastle United face losing £40M star for two games at worst possible time for Eddie Howe

Newcastle United are facing a potential setback at a crucial stage of the season, with midfielder Joelinton just one yellow card away from a two-game suspension.

This comes at the worst possible time for manager Eddie Howe, who is already grappling with a growing injury crisis and a lack of squad depth. The Magpies’ thin roster has been further depleted in recent weeks, leaving Howe with limited options as they prepare for a series of pivotal matches.

The situation worsened last week when Anthony Gordon received a red card in Newcastle’s clash with Brighton, resulting in a three-match ban.

The suspension rules Gordon out of Monday night’s Premier League fixture against West Ham, next Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, and the home game against Brentford on April 2nd. Gordon’s absence is a significant blow, as the 24-year-old has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers this season, contributing both goals and assists.

In addition to Gordon’s suspension, Newcastle are dealing with long-term injuries to key players. Sven Botman, the Dutch defender, has been ruled out for at least eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a recurring knee issue.

Lewis Hall, who has been a reliable presence in the squad, will also miss the remainder of the season following surgery. To compound matters, Jamaal Lascelles has been sidelined all season, with no clear timeline for his return.

The last thing Newcastle need is another player unavailable for selection, but Joelinton’s disciplinary record has put him at risk of a two-game ban. The Brazilian midfielder, who joined the club for £40 million from Hoffenheim, has already served a one-match suspension this season for accumulating yellow cards.

If he receives another booking in Monday’s match against West Ham, he will miss the Premier League fixtures against Brentford and Leicester City. While yellow card suspensions do not carry over into cup competitions, meaning Joelinton would still be available for the Carabao Cup final, his potential absence from league games could disrupt Newcastle’s momentum.

Joelinton’s aggressive playing style makes it almost inevitable that he will pick up another yellow card at some point. However, Newcastle fans will be hoping he can avoid a booking for as long as possible, particularly with Gordon already sidelined.

The timing of a potential suspension could not be worse, as the Magpies look to secure a strong finish to the season and compete for silverware in the Carabao Cup.

There is a glimmer of hope, though, as Joelinton could take inspiration from his teammate Bruno Guimarães, who managed to avoid a booking in the final 10 games of last season despite being one yellow card away from suspension.

Guimarães’ discipline during that period was remarkable, but replicating that feat may be a tall order for Joelinton, whose physical and combative style often puts him at odds with referees. As fans often joke, Joelinton sometimes seems to get booked just for looking at officials the wrong way.

The potential suspension highlights the challenges Howe faces in managing his squad during a demanding period. With key players unavailable and the team’s depth stretched to its limits, Newcastle must find a way to navigate these obstacles and maintain their competitive edge.

Joelinton’s role in midfield is crucial, and his absence would leave a significant void in the team’s setup.

As Newcastle prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the focus will be on minimizing disruptions and maximizing the available resources. Howe will need to carefully manage his players’ discipline and fitness, ensuring they are in the best possible condition to deliver results.

The Carabao Cup final represents a golden opportunity for Newcastle to end their long wait for silverware, but they must first overcome the challenges posed by their current injury and suspension woes.