- Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe confirms fresh injury doubt
- Magpies could have big hole in midfield
- Boost for relegation-threatened West Ham
West Ham have had their hopes of picking up a point at Newcastle United this weekend handed a potential boost with news that the hosts could be without midfielder Joelinton.
The Brazil international only returned from a two-match suspension against Brighton and then Nottingham Forest last weekend. Joelinton’s comeback helped the Magpies end a five match run of defeats with a victory and draw in those two outings.
The 29-year-old is known for being a physical titan in the centre of the park, able to grab games by the scruff of the neck. The potential of not facing Joelinton could be a big boost to West Ham as they look to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle United injury concern
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In his press conference on Friday morning, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “Lewis Hall is fine, he has trained this week. We have a doubt over Joelinton who has a slight thigh problem. We are okay apart from that. Got other lads out, but there is no change to their status.”
It remains to be seen whether Joelinton is fit enough to feature against West Ham. Howe could be handed a predicament over whether to risk using the star.
The Magpies are without the services of Lewis Miley in midfield, with the youngster having suffered a broken leg last week in training. That could leave Howe pushing to field Joelinton, but the player will be keen not to aggravate the injury with the World Cup ahead this summer.
ReadNewcastle awarded Joelinton a 7/10 rating for his efforts against Nottingham Forest last weekend. We wrote: “Really good. This Forest side packs a physical punch and Joelinton stood up to the challenge to ensure Newcastle had a presence in that domain too.
“Had a couple good chances to shoot early doors but tried to set up teammates, but perhaps should have had the confidence to have a pop himself. Blasted over wildly in injury time from distance.”
Joelinton targets World Cup with Brazil
Joelinton will have one eye on upcoming Brazil fixtures. The nation faces Panama and Egypt in friendlies at the end of the month and start of June. Brazil’s World Cup campaign begins in Group C against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
The absence of Joelinton could be good news for the Hammers. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last time out, which ended in dramatic fashion when Callum Wilson’s late leveller was ruled out by VAR.
The London outfit are in 18th place and currently set for relegation. West Ham must catch 17th-place Spurs, who are currently two points ahead.
In other news, Emmanuel Emenike goes viral as FIFA cult hero spotted at Newcastle United stadium.
