It will be almost a month on the sidelines for Newcastle United star for Joelinton after he picked up a two-game suspension during the defeat to Manchester City. The Brazilian picked up his 10th yellow card of the season at the Etihad Stadium meaning he will now miss important clashes with Wolves and Nottingham Forest.
Joelinton's yellow card arguably could not have come at a worse time for the Magpies as Eddie Howe tries to get his side back on track. The upcoming Premier League fixtures are must-win for Newcastle as they seek to keep their European push on course.
However, after Joelinton sits out the upcoming top flight clashes, he will then have to sit through an international break and won't return until the April 2 showdown with Manchester United.
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“It was probably inevitable it would come, although we’re desperately disappointed that it was today, given the two games we've got before the international break, that's going to be a long absence for him," Howe told reporters on Saturday.
“I thought it was a harsh booking for him and he plays on the edge, he's a fierce competitor, I thought he played very well again today. We're certainly going to miss him.”
Joelinton has been impressing of late and is beginning to catch the eye of Brazil bosses. The 26-year-old, along with Bruno Guimaraes, missed out on a spot in the national squad for fixtures later this month but is certainly on the radar of interim boss Ramon Menezes.
“They are on the national team’s radar,” he told Brazilian outlet Lance. “Joelinton is a great player and can fit in as a defensive midfielder or midfielder. He is a strong player, who we are watching and who can wear the shirt of the national team at any time.”
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