Newcastle United travel to Everton in a crucial clash in the bottom half of the Premier League knowing that a win would lift them 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
Following an impressive nine game unbeaten run before Sunday’s defeat to Chelsea, Eddie Howe's men now have top-flight safety within their grasp. But the Newcastle manager has two of his usual midfield trio struggling for fitness in time to feature at Goodison Park on Thursday night.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Howe said: "Willock, yes he should be OK, he had an illness but returned to training yesterday. Jonjo Shelvey we are waiting to see, he hasn't trained yet he's a slightly bigger concern. Joelinton is going to be touch and go. We have a decision to make on whether we look after him with the break we have afterwards or whether we push him back out there. We will have to make our mind up.
"Apart from that (Shelvey and Joelinton) we are Ok. Fede Fernandez will hopefully train today after he has had quite a lay off."
The midfield trio of Willock, Shelvey and Joelinton have been crucial in Newcastle’s recent upturn in fortunes and started six consecutive games between January 22 and February 26, as the Magpies picked up 16 points from a possible 18 available.
However, that run came to an end for the 2-1 victory over Southampton last Thursday, with Joelinton picking up a ‘knock’ ahead of the game to miss only his second Premier League fixture of the season, although January signing Bruno Guimaraes was handed his first start as a result.
Can Newcastle still beat Everton without Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton in the side? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
At Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Joelinton still wasn’t fit enough to play, while both Shelvey and Willock missed out through illness. Thus, the Magpies had to bring in the likes of Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron alongside Guimaraes, as they switched to a 4-5-1 shape.
Howe confirmed that Willock should be okay to feature once again but late fitness tests will be held for both Shelvey and Joelinton. The Brazilian has been a revelation since being moved into midfield by Howe and has ultimately played the best football of his career in the north east.
Allan Saint-Maximin could return to the starting lineup against Frank Lampard's struggling side also, after being used as a late substitute at the weekend. Lampard must wait to see if Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be fit for the hosts.
