Eddie Howe has a genuine wildcard to replace Joelinton after Newcastle United injury blow

The treatment room at Newcastle United’s training ground continues to tell a worrying story, with Brazilian powerhouse Joelinton now potentially joining the growing list of casualties ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

The midfielder’s knee injury, which kept him out of the Ipswich victory and saw him miss Wednesday’s training session, threatens to deprive Eddie Howe of one of his most influential players during the season’s crucial finale.

Despite Joelinton’s personal optimism about featuring in Newcastle’s final four matches, medical assessments paint a grimmer picture. His potential absence leaves a gaping hole in Howe’s midfield – one that demands immediate attention given the Brazilian’s unique blend of physicality and technical ability that has become fundamental to Newcastle’s approach.

Howe now faces a tactical dilemma with multiple potential solutions, each carrying its own risks and rewards. Joe Willock’s underwhelming display against Ipswich raises questions about his readiness to fill the void, while Lewis Miley’s inexperience and Sean Longstaff’s inconsistent form complicate the selection puzzle further.

The situation grows more pressing with European qualification still within reach, leaving little margin for error in Howe’s decision-making.

An intriguing alternative emerges in the form of Anthony Gordon, whose return to full training on Wednesday offers Howe a wildcard option. The £45 million winger’s versatility could inspire a formation change, with the 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 systems potentially accommodating Gordon either alongside Alexander Isak or in a central attacking role behind the Swedish striker.

Their existing chemistry, demonstrated in flashes throughout the season, suggests this partnership could flourish if given the opportunity.

However, fitness concerns linger over Gordon’s readiness. Howe’s post-Ipswich admission that the England international isn’t “100% match fit” and still feels “some feeling in his knee” tempers enthusiasm about an immediate return to the starting XI.

The manager’s cautious approach reflects both the long-term importance of Gordon’s fitness and the precarious nature of Newcastle’s current injury crisis.

The coming days will reveal whether Howe opts for continuity with Willock, places faith in youth with Miley, or gambles on Gordon’s versatility triggering a tactical reshuffle.

Each option carries implications beyond these final matches – Willock needs to prove he can be Joelinton’s heir, Miley requires careful management to avoid burnout, and Gordon’s best position remains an ongoing debate.

For a squad already stretched thin by injuries, Joelinton’s potential absence compounds existing challenges. His ball-carrying ability and defensive work rate have become tactical cornerstones under Howe, attributes none of his potential replacements can perfectly replicate.

This predicament underscores the need for summer reinforcements, but for now, Howe must find an immediate solution to keep Newcastle’s European dreams alive.

As training sessions intensify ahead of the season’s climax, all eyes will be on Howe’s team selection – a decision that could define whether Newcastle end their campaign with a flourish or a fizzle.

The absence of their Brazilian enforcer leaves Newcastle at a crossroads, with Gordon’s potential redeployment representing the most adventurous path forward at a time when caution might seem the safer option.