Eddie Howe confirms groin injury for £40m Newcastle United star ahead of Sunday's derby
Not only did Newcastle United drop points against Bayer Leverkusen last night but it also looks like they've lost a player in the process.
Joelinton was replaced by Lewis Miley in the second half, and while we initially just assumed it was tactical, after all, the Brazilian had another poor game, it turns out there was more to it than that.
It turns out that Joelinton had picked up an injury during the game, which forced him off the field early.
We said after the game last night that Joelinton should be dropped for Lewis Miley for the derby on Sunday anyway, but it seems that the decision may have been taken away from the gaffer.
Eddie Howe confirmed Joelinton picked up a groin injury
Speaking after the Champions League draw with Leverkusen last night, Howe admitted that Joelinton had picked up an issue.
"It looks like a groin injury. I don't know how serious it is at this moment in time."
Even if it's minor, we doubt he'll be ready to face Sunderland on Sunday.
Joelinton would be useful to have in the arsenal for the derby
While he wouldn't have been in our starting XI for the derby, it's still a blow nonetheless, as he would have been a good option to have on the bench.
In a game like the derby, Joelinton is the type of player you want to bring on late in the game to clatter some people around when they're already on tired legs.
Joelinton versus Granit Xhaka would have been a good battle. As long as it was peak Joey, not this low-ink facsimile we've had for many games this season.
