Ahead of Newcastle United’s Boxing Day fixture against Nottingham Forest, Eddie Howe has confirmed that one player is close to making his return from injury.
Joelinton has missed the last two games against Luton and Chelsea having pulled up with an issue against Fulham last weekend and being subbed off in the first half for Lewis Miley.
Howe has now spoken to Newcastle World claiming that the midfielder is nearing a return and could be fit enough to face Forest in two day’s time.
Howe says Joelinton is close to full fitness ahead of Forest game
After a tough defeat to Luton at the weekend, Newcastle will want to bounce back quickly to ease the pressure that is currently building on Eddie Howe and his players.
In the 1-0 loss, Newcastle were beaten physically, something that they were so good at last season, and really missed the strength of the Brazilian in midfield.
Having Joelinton available, even just if he’s coming off the bench, would be a huge boost to Howe and Newcastle’s hopes of beating Forest who will also be desperate to get a result after losing to Bournemouth in added time.
While Howe has not confirmed that the 27-year-old will definitely be ready, he is remaining hopeful that the £40m player will be able to have an impact on Tuesday afternoon.
Howe said: “I’m not 100 per-cent sure, he is not far away. We want to get the right decision.”
