Newcastle United travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Wednesday and Eddie Howe said Joelinton looks set to return after recovering from a groin injury. The 25-year-old missed Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Southampton and 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, but he’s back in training and could be available for selection.
Newcastle will be desperate to have Joelinton back as he’s been outstanding in a makeshift midfield role, but it remains to be seen if he’s ready to start. The uncapped Brazilian has been an effective auxiliary midfielder, creating 22 chances, making 29 successful dribbles, winning 76 aerial duels and averaging a tackle (61) or interception (26) every 21 minutes.
Noel Whelan is one of many who’s been impressed with Joelinton this season and sang his praises to Football Insider, saying: “He’s been the most improved player at Newcastle, for me. Moving him into that midfield area has given them so much. Power, strength, technical ability, aggression – and he’s got a really forward-thinking mentality.”
Whelan called his impending return a ‘massive boost’ too. In his absence, Eddie Howe opted for a midfield of Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey against Southampton and a midfield of Sean Longstaff and Guimaraes against Chelsea.
Newcastle are 14th in the league with 31 points from 28 games, boasting three wins from their last four. Joelinton looked surplus to requirements at the start of the season but has been at his best in recent months. His successful positional change now means he has a future at St James’ Park.
In other news, Noel Whelan says Newcastle will sign player who’s a ‘step ahead’ of Miguel Almiron
