Newcastle hope Joelinton returns for the visit of Aston Villa on Thursday (3 p.m. GMT) as the midfielder continues to recover from an injury that led to him being hospitalized following their Carabao Cup win at home to Brentford Wednesday.
Midfielder Joelinton was substituted at half-time after a challenge with Nathan Collins and was not involved in the Magpies’ 4-0 win at Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday as he was suspended.
“He had various injuries to his face…a few stitches in and around his ear,” manager Eddie Howe said. “We’ll see how he goes [on Monday].”
Joelinton had started all 20 of Newcastle’s games in all competitions before failing to make the trip to Portman Road.
Eddie Howe on Aston Villa:
“We played two games against Aston Villa last season. It will be a very good challenge for us. I think they have good depth in their team, they have very good players. Their style is very difficult to face, very well coached, very good… pic.twitter.com/7o1WOXwJji
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Injuries at Newcastle
Howe said Joe Willock is “fine” after receiving treatment at Ipswich for a head injury. “Keeping Joe fit for an extended period of time is now very important,” he added. “He’s worked hard to get back into shape after a really tough time 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.
Goaltender Nick Pope has missed the last three games with a knee injury, while defenseman Emile Krafth is recovering from a broken collarbone.
Eddie Howe on the holiday program:
“All the reasons we’re excited about these games [against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur]I’ve been really happy with the way we’ve played in the last few games, and I think we have to take that into account next week. We… pic.twitter.com/KaUUIbJxlw
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Nick Pope ‘feels strong’
“Nick Pope is fine,” Howe said, conceding he didn’t know when the 32-year-old might return.
“He was initially given a time frame in which he had to rest. He received a few injections in his knee and is feeling better and stronger.
“[Krafth is] back on the grass and running. The most important thing for him will be the contact during his reintegration into collective training.
Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:
“Jacob is very selfless, he always plays for the team, he really enjoys creating a goal, he has always been like that. These qualities that every team needs. pic.twitter.com/AJd126dCxQ
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024
Newcastle v Villa
Newcastle are eighth in the Premier League, having also beaten Leicester City 4-0 at home in their previous league match on December 14.
Villa are two points behind them in sixth after recording their third win in four league matches with a 2-1 home win over Manchester City on Saturday.
