Newcastle United have received a timely boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League showdown with Manchester City following fresh updates on Joelinton’s injury.
The midfielder had sparked major concern after being forced off early during the 3-1 defeat to Brentford, but it now appears the damage is far less serious than initially feared.
The Brazilian was in visible discomfort after a strong challenge from Dango Outtara at the Gtech Stadium, which left him clutching his leg and unable to continue beyond the 24th minute.
The incident disrupted Eddie Howe’s tactical plans, leaving the Newcastle boss frustrated as he watched one of his most influential players head down the tunnel for treatment. Given Joelinton’s importance to the team, the sight of him limping off was a worrying one for supporters and staff alike.
However, after medical assessments at the club’s training ground, it has since been confirmed that the midfielder suffered only a cut rather than any serious structural damage.
Images shared from the game showed a nasty wound on his leg, raising fears of potential ligament or muscle involvement, but Newcastle’s medical staff have since played down those concerns.
Sources close to the club have revealed that Joelinton has escaped major injury and will continue to be monitored closely over the coming days, with strong optimism that he will be fit in time to face Manchester City.
Eddie Howe initially admitted he was unsure of the extent of the injury in his post-match press conference, saying, “Joelinton, I’m not sure, it looked like a knock, but it was obviously enough for him to go off. I haven’t had a full debrief from the medical team on him. He was a big miss today.”
Those words reflected the uncertainty surrounding the situation immediately after the game, but the latest developments have offered a much more positive outlook for both the player and the team.
Joelinton’s absence from Brazil’s upcoming international fixtures initially seen as a disappointment could now prove to be a blessing in disguise. The decision not to include him in the national squad for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia means he can remain in England to recover and prepare for Newcastle’s crucial home clash against Pep Guardiola’s champions.
Having one of their most physically dominant midfielders available for such a key fixture will be a massive boost for Howe, especially with the team looking to bounce back from a difficult few weeks.
The good news does not stop there for Newcastle fans. Tino Livramento, who has been sidelined since September after picking up a knee injury against Arsenal, is also nearing a return to action.
The 21-year-old was close to making the squad for the Brentford game but was ultimately left out as a precaution. Howe has now hinted that the Manchester City match could mark his long-awaited comeback, which would end a frustrating ten-match spell on the sidelines. “Tino is still on track,” the manager said last week. “We’re looking at the Manchester City game for when he can be available.”
Having both Joelinton and Livramento back in contention could not come at a better time for Howe, whose squad has been hit by a string of injuries in recent months.
Their returns would add both strength and versatility as Newcastle aim to steady their form heading into a challenging winter schedule.
Meanwhile, there has also been an update on Anthony Gordon, who missed the 3-1 defeat at Brentford due to a minor hip issue. The winger was forced to withdraw from England’s squad for their games against Serbia and Albania after picking up the knock during the Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao. Fortunately, the problem has been described as only minor, and Gordon is expected to be available again soon.
Overall, the latest injury news offers a much-needed lift for Newcastle United. With Joelinton recovering well, Livramento closing in on a return, and Gordon’s issue proving to be minor, Howe may finally have the chance to field something close to his strongest lineup.
The visit of Manchester City will be a major test, but with key players returning at just the right time, Newcastle’s confidence heading into the clash will undoubtedly be stronger than it was a week ago.
