Expert issues ‘nightmare’ Joelinton verdict as Newcastle United news confirmed
Joelinton’s pre-season suspension is a “nightmare” for Newcastle United and their preparations for the new season.
That’s according to former Aston Villa and Scotland boss Alex McLeish, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the midfielder’s suspension.
Joelinton, 25, was sent off for a lunging challenge in the closing stages of Tuesday’s (26 July) pre-season loss to Benfica as tempers flared and a scuffle broke out between the dugouts.
The club have confirmed he will be suspended for Friday’s (29 July) pre-season clash against Atalanta at St James’ Park though he will be available for Saturday’s (30 July) game against Atheltic Bilbao.
The Brazilian transformed into a key player for Eddie Howe after he dropped back into midfield during the 2021-22 season.
McLeish insists his suspension will harm the club’s pre-season plans.
“He misses valuable match practice,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Ben Wild
“That is a feature of pre-season football, you have to be aware that you can still be sent off in a game like that.
“The consequences are that it does get reported and filed. The punishment can be pretty critical. That is what has happened in this case.
“For him to not be able to start is a bit of a nightmare to the preparations.”
Joelinton has made 117 appearances for Newcastle since joining the club from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2019.
He has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists.
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