Joelinton sets out lofty goal as Newcastle United beast makes his way back from groin injury
Joelinton is being eased back into the game after his absence with an adductor muscle problem and it is perfect timing for Newcastle United.
The midfield beast's return has coincided with the injury to Bruno Guimaraes.
Bruno is expected to miss a huge chunk of the rest of the season and is currently back home in Brazil receiving treatment, which is leaving Eddie Howe's midfield looking light, especially with Lewis Miley taking an abnormally long time to recover from the dead leg he picked up against PSG.
Thankfully, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey are starting to find their feet, and Sandro Tonali is stepping up to be the creative force in the middle of the park.
Joelinton's return couldn't have come at a better time for Newcastle
However, none of them has that mean streak that Joelinton has that can strike fear into the opposition. We've been lacking that battler in the middle of the park, and it's good that Joey is coming back.
The 29-year-old has admitted to The Chronicle that he's not 100% yet, but is happy to be back and has set himself a huge goal for the rest of the season.
“It's been a stop-and-go season for me with all the injuries on my adductor muscle. I'm happy to be back, especially with the team already missing Bruno.
“I'm still not at my best, but hopefully I can help the team and also try to get a spot in the World Cup with Brazil.”
Can Joelinton break into the Brazil squad in time for the World Cup?
Joelinton has been in and out of the Brazil squad since his first inclusion in 2023. Brazil have struggled for form of late and have been through several bosses since then, and now with Carlo Ancelotti leading them to the World Cup, J7 has his work cut out for him.
It would be an amazing achievement for Joelinton to break into Brazil's World Cup squad this season after a shaky campaign with Newcastle and having missed so many games.
If anyone can do it, though, it's big Joe.
