Joelinton has opened up about 'difficult season' as Newcastle United's Brazilian beast's return to form
Joelinton and Newcastle United's season have had very similar highs and lows.
As Newcastle have faltered in the search for consistent form, so too has Newcastle's midfield enforcer. Fitness has been an issue for both, too, with Joelinton having had a couple of big injury setbacks this season, much like Newcastle has been hit with injury after injury throughout the squad.
Joelinton is back in the first team now after a groin injury, and the 29-year-old has hit the ground running since his return.
Indeed, he was so keen to get back to full tilt that he looked like he was ready to chin Eddie Howe when he subbed him off on his first start back from injury.
Joelinton admits this has been a difficult season for him
Howe has been quite clever with Joelinton's minutes since he returned from injury and hasn't just thrown him back in the starting lineup and left him there; he's making sure to monitor him, which may be frustrating for Joey, but is definitely the right thing to do.
Joelinton has been speaking to The Chronicle, and he has admitted that this has been a difficult season for him, but he's glad he's back at this key stage of the season.
"It has been a very difficult time for me, but I am delighted to be back with the team," he told Chronicle Live. "When I came back into the team, it felt great as I could not feel the injury any more. But as I say it has been a difficult season for me.
"I just have to keep working. I keep going and giving my best to the team every day.
"When the injury happened, it was frustrating for me because I think I was actually playing well and helping the team. Then you are injured again and back with the physio, that's difficult for any player.
"But now I have had a run of games in the important moment of the season, with big games still to play. When you can't play it is very hard so I am grateful to be back. The hope now is that I am injury free and I can return to my very best quickly."
Joelinton is missing his best mate
Newcastle are still waiting for captain Bruno Guimaraes to return from a hamstring injury, too. The Mags have finally learned to start winning without him, although we'd very much like him back in the team, as would Joelinton.
"Bruno is a big miss for us. He is not only our captain but also a great player. He really does make the difference at times. We have missed him and hope that he is fit soon and back playing very soon."
Having the holy trinity of Sandro Tonali, Bruno, and Joelinton back could be the boost we need to turn this season around.
