Joelinton could be dropped by Steve Bruce for Newcastle United’s clash against West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper claims that Newcastle staff want to protect the 23-year-old striker amid a series of “ineffectual” displays.
Joelinton has scored just once in 10 appearances since joining the Magpies in a club-record transfer in the summer.
OPINION
It might make sense to drop Joelinton for a week or two and see if he can find some form once he returns or even in the Under-23s squad. However there is an issue. According to the Telegraph’s report, Andy Carroll is unlikely to recover from a groin strain in time to play against West Ham while Dwight Gayle is still nursing himself back to full fitness. Yoshinori Muto is another option as a striker but the Japan international is an even more underwhelming striker than Joelinton has been. It’s a tough one but Bruce needs to make a decision this week because Joelinton certainly seems as though he could do with some time out of the starting line-up. The Brazilian has started all 10 Premier League matches this term and has not exactly looked impressive in most of them. However Bruce cannot make a decision that will hurt the team’s chances of a win against West Ham. Manuel Pellegrini’s side are there for the taking this weekend based on their current form.
