Eddie Howe gives update on Joelinton's availability for Aston Villa after picking up facial injuries

Joelinton sat out Newcastle United's 4-0 win against Ipswich Town on Saturday through suspension but there was a big chance that he'd have missed the game anyway.

The Brazilian beast was forced off at half-time in the Carabao Cup win over Brentford in midweek after taking a double blow to the head with an elbow to the face which was swiftly followed by studs to the head.

Joelinton saw out the remainder of the half with staples in his face and a bust lip, but the decision was made to remove him from action during the break. He was replaced by Joe Willock, who also deputised for the number seven in the game against Ipswich.

Now that Joelinton has served his one-match suspension, the question remains as to whether he will be ready to face Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

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Eddie Howe says they are monitoring how Joelinton is ahead of Aston Villa

Eddie Howe spoke to the press this morning ahead of the Boxing Day clash and he gave an update on J7 (via The Chronicle).

"We will have a look at him today. He had various facial injuries after the last home game against Brentford in which he came off. A couple of stitches in and around his ear so we will see how he is today."

Howe doesn't really clear much up for us here, but given how Joelinton wanted to play on mere moments after receiving the injuries, we're pretty sure that if he's given the opportunity to play, he'll take it.

We're expecting Joelinton to be back in the side on Boxing Day

There are still a few days before the match and the players are due in training on Christmas Day too so they'll have ample opportunity to monitor how the stitches hold up.

As things stand, we'll be putting Joelinton in our lineup prediction for Boxing Day even with Eddie Howe trying to cast doubt.

Joe Willock was one of two players who didn't impress on Saturday during the 4-0 rout at Ipswich and based on that alone, we'd be happy to see Joelinton back in the side.