Eddie Howe has confirmed both Joelinton and Joe Willock could play a part in the Carabao Cup final.
What’s the latest Newcastle United news?
The former was forced off during the loss to Liverpool on Saturday with what appeared to be a hamstring problem and was duly replaced by Matt Ritchie.
Willock, meanwhile, missed the game entirely after going off with a similar issue during the draw with Bournemouth.
They both, however, are in contention to make the historic trip to Wembley on Sunday. While Howe sounded more confident on Joelinton’s fitness, he has previously stressed Willock’s injury was not as bad as first feared.
What has Howe said about Newcastle’s injury list?
Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Howe said of Joelinton: “We think Joelinton is OK from the weekend – there’s still a long time to go before the game.”
Of Willock, meanwhile, he added: “Joe Willock will be in a race to be fit but we’re hopeful.”
How big a boost is this for Newcastle?
With Bruno Guimaraes available again following his three-match suspension, it would be gutting for Howe to miss out on his first-choice midfield due to niggling injuries.
During Newcastle’s best run of form this season, Guimaraes has paired Willock and Sean Longstaff in the middle of the park, while Joelinton has operated on the left of an attacking three.
While Allan Saint-Maximin impressed against Liverpool (Anthony Gordon is cup-tied), perhaps reverting to that system could be needed to halt what has been a dip in form of late.
