Newcastle United news: Medical expert issues ‘big’ verdict on Joelinton starting v Everton
Joelinton could feature for Newcastle United against Everton tonight (17 March).
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Joelinton, 25, has missed the Magpies’ last two matches with a nagging groin issue.
Eddie Howe claimed that a late call was made not to include the striker-turned-midfielder for the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last Sunday (13 March).
As quoted by The Athletic yesterday (16 March), the manager revealed that Joelinton is again “touch and go” for the Everton clash.
But it would be no surprise to see the Brazilian play some role, predicts Dinnery.
“This is nothing new with Joelinton,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“They have been managing this problem for at least a few months. It’s a sports hernia, one of those problems you can play through.
“The difficulty sometimes is the quick turnaround between games. They played on Thursday and then had a quick turnaround for the Chelsea game.
“He was able to take part in aspects of that final training session before the Chelsea games but wasn’t able to complete it.
“The fact that it was a close call for the Chelsea game is a good indication that he may make Everton. That’s big for Newcastle given his recent performances.
“But what I would say is that these injuries can flare up. Even if you do a few full sessions, there are no guarantees. It may be a game-by-game decision.
“Based on what we know and how he is progressing, however, I would be very hopeful he will be included in the matchday squad.”
Joelinton has scored twice and provided one assist in 27 outings this term.
Newcastle can go 12 points clear of the relegation zone with victory at Goodison Park tonight.
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