Newcastle have been rocked with yet more injury woes after confirmed that Joelinton is set to miss at least six weeks after suffering a thigh injury in their win over Sunderland.
The Magpies have had to deal with a slew of injury issues this season which has derailed the side’s form and ambitions of returning to the top four for a second successive season.
And those issues have been further compounded in the new year with Howe confirming that the Brazilian international is set for his second extended period on the treatment table.
‘The prospects over the next couple of weeks aren’t good. It’s an injury that will see him certainly miss probably a minimum of six weeks,’ the Newcastle boss confirmed.
‘It’s a real blow for us because he’s such an important player. He’s had a very stop-start season, unfortunately, this year where he was so consistent last year in his selection.
‘He’s had a few different problems and this is a big blow.’
Joelinton has already missed ten games this season due to two hamstring injuries, with Howe suggesting the latest setback has taken its toll on the Brazilian.
‘He’s got a problem with a tendon in his quad. Without going too detailed, it’s a very difficult place to get an injury, hence the timescale that he’s going to be out,’ he added.
‘He’s very disappointed. He wants to play, he wants to do well, so we’ve had a job of trying to pick Joe up.’
With ten first-team players now unavailable for selection, Newcastle have the unenviable task of welcoming Manchester City to St James’ Park this weekend.
The Magpies now sit ninth in the league and will be seeking to avoid their fourth successive league defeat following a disappointing Christmas period.
City, meanwhile, are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and could move within two points of league-leaders Liverpool, should they win on Saturday.
