Eddie Howe gives Joelinton and Callum Wilson injury update ahead of massive night at St James' Park

New injuries are the last thing Eddie Howe needs right now after two players left his first-team squad in the January transfer window.

Newcastle United are gearing up for the biggest game of their season so far as they look to defend their two-goal lead in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron would have been unlikely to have played a big role, if any, in the remaining games of the season, but what they did at least do was give Eddie Howe options on the bench, but now the Newcastle boss is going to have to find two more bodies to occupy those padded seats.

It shouldn't be too much of an issue if Callum Wilson makes his return from injury tomorrow as was expected, but Eddie Howe didn't seem too confident about that this morning.

Callum Wilson and Joelinton are both doubts for the Arsenal game

Additionally, Joelinton was spotted in a knee brace at the weekend and it was even reported that he'd headed to London to see a specialist yesterday, so there are worries over our midfield enforcer.

When asked for an injury update during his pre-match press conference it didn't sound like Howe was too confident on either being ready for tomorrow's crunch tie.

"Yeah, of course, from my side, I think we want a competitive team on the pitch, and I know everyone feels the same way. Our two injuries at the moment with Callum coming back and Harvey Barnes out - and Jamal Lascelles out - we don't have sort of a huge burden of injuries at the moment, but we still have a tight squad.

"So that's why I say that managing that with the games we have to come is going to be hugely important to us. We need to try and keep everyone that we have fit and available remaining. That way we can be competitive for the remainder of the season.

"There is a chance [Wilson will be fit]. We have another training session to get through, so we will see. Let’s get through training before we make a decision.

"Joey after the game was put in a knee brace just as a precaution. He’s out of that now. We’ll assess how he is for this game.

"I’d say he is a doubt but we’ll give him every minute we can to try and make him fit. We have good strength in depth in that position currently. Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley - all three quality players who bring something slightly different - can all step in.

"Obviously, Joelinton is unique, and that’s why we’ll give him every chance to be fit."

Hopefully, Eddie Howe makes the right calls for tomorrow

Callum Wilson has had so many false dawns this season that it's hard to believe that he'd be available when we expect him to be.

Joelinton hasn't been himself lately, and maybe having him sit this one out won't be a bad thing. Maybe keep him on the bench to come on and charge around late in the game.

We don't want to be taking risks now that the squad is weaker than it was two weeks ago.