Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle United defender's season is likely over after operation but confirms Joelinton has trained
Eddie Howe got to do the good news, bad news thing today in his pre-match press conference out in Baku ahead of Newcastle United's Champions League play-off first-leg against Qarabag.
The Magpies landed in Baku today, and Eddie Howe was immediately on media duty ahead of another huge away game for Newcastle.
Earlier today, it was reported that Emil Krafth had been removed from the Champions League squad and replaced with veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy.
Krafth has been missing for a while through injury, so it seemed like the right thing to do, but Eddie Howe has shed more light on the decision.
Emil Krafth is likely to miss the rest of the season
Howe confirmed during his press conference that Krafth has undergone surgery on his knee, which is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season.
In more positive news, though, Howe confirmed that Joelinton is back in contention after his groin issue.
"Joelinton is back with us. Delighted with his return. Trained with us yesterday."
Joelinton's return is perfect timing
Having Joelinton back is a huge boost, especially given the news around Bruno Guimaraes.
Sandro Tonali stepped up to fill the gap left by Bruno at the weekend, but he can't do it all himself, and in all truth, we can't rely on him to do so after this season, so having help from Joelinton should make his task a lot easier.
It's a big blow for Emil Krafth, and given his contract is up at the end of the season, it could mean we've seen the last of the Sweden international in a Newcastle shirt.
