Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has provided an update on both Joelinton and Chris Wood after the duo went off injured in Riyadh.
But there is positive news on both fronts as the pair walked out of the stadium in good spirits and the moves appeared to be nothing more than a precaution by Howe and his staff. Wood went off before the break while Joelinton was walked around the pitch after withdrawal with the physio.
Howe told reporters after the game: "I think Chris has just got a back problem. I don’t think it’s too bad. Joelinton felt a tightness in his hamstring. I don’t think it’s a pull or anything. Fingers crossed, they’re not too bad."
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United ran out 5-0 winners thanks to goals from Joelinton (2), Miguel Almiron (2) and Dylan Stephenson. Howe reflected on the game and said: "Tough game, but they're the games you want. I know the scoreline looks comfortable, but it was a difficult game, especially in the first half. I thought we grew into the game after a difficult opening 10-15 mins.
"There were some really good bits, some stuff to work on. There was a little bit of rustiness we’re still playing ourselves out of, but we'll be better for the game."
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