Newcastle United face a nervous wait over the fitness of key midfielder Joelinton ahead of their crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
The Brazilian midfielder emerged from their recent league game against Fulham with a knee brace, casting doubt over his availability for the pivotal fixture.
Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the injury concern in a pre-match press conference, stating, “We’ll assess how he is for this game. I’d say he’s a doubt, but we’ll give him every minute we can to try to make him fit.”
Joelinton’s potential absence would be a significant blow for the Magpies, who hold a commanding 2-0 lead from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite their first-leg advantage, Howe is wary of complacency, emphasizing the need for his team to approach the game as if the scoreline were level.
“What a great opportunity we’ve got – and that’s if it’s 0-0 – so forget any talk of a lead, it’s 0-0 and we are at home. What an opportunity to attack the game and embrace everything in front of us to be at our best,” Howe asserted.
Arsenal, fresh off a resounding 5-1 victory over reigning champions Manchester City, will be looking to overturn the deficit and reach the final.
The Gunners’ impressive form presents a stern challenge for Newcastle, who have suffered recent home defeats against Bournemouth and Fulham.
Adding to Newcastle’s injury woes, Jamaal Lascelles remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Harvey Barnes continues to recover from a thigh problem.
However, there is a glimmer of hope with the potential return of striker Callum Wilson, who has been absent for 12 games.
Howe acknowledged the challenges of a thinner squad following recent transfer activity, including the departures of Lloyd Kelly, Miguel Almiron, Elliot Anderson, and Yankuba Minteh.
He stressed the importance of unity within the team, stating, “These things can sometimes act as a strength for you and that’s very much how I am trying to pull the group together, have real unity in smaller numbers, and we keep fighting in every phase. Sometimes that unity can be really, really powerful.”
While acknowledging that he would have liked to add to the squad in the January transfer window, Howe emphasized the need to make the best of the current situation.
The manager expressed confidence in the quality of his remaining players and urged them to rise to the occasion against Arsenal.
