Newcastle United’s season has been massively hindered by injuries.
Eddie Howe‘s squad has been stretched beyond belief for the majority of the campaign, with so many of his players suffering long-term injuries.
That has put more pressure on the players that have been available, and ultimately resulted in more injuries. It has been a snowball effect, made all the more challenging by Sandro Tonali’s suspension. He is fit, but not available after being banned for betting following an investigation by the Italian Football Federation.
Sven Botman is currently recovering from his second long-term injury of the season, suffering another ACL injury after opting against surgery following the first one. Jamaal Lascelles has the same injury, with both players out for up to nine months.
Elsewhere, Nick Pope has been missing since December and has been a huge miss, while Joe Willock has endured an injury ridden season. His campaign is now over, with Eddie Howe eager for him to shake off his Achilles problem and be fully fit in time for pre-season.
27-year-old has been Newcastle’s biggest miss due to injury
There have been plenty of other players who have been on the sidelines for a long time. Dan Burn and Elliot Anderson had back problems, while Harvey Barnes missed months of football due to a strange foot injury he suffered in the 8-0 win over Sheffield United.
But one of Newcastle’s biggest injury blows has been the absence of Joelinton. He had hamstring problems earlier in the season, and has been unavailable since January due to a thigh injury.
Not having his energy and athleticism in midfield has been difficult, with the 27-year-old’s importance clear for all to see during his time out of the team.
However, his injury layoff has actually had a positive impact as well.
How Joelinton’s injury inadvertently helped Newcastle United
Newcastle United fans can look forward to watching Joelinton for a few more years, as he has signed a new contract with the Magpies.
He has extend his stay at St James’ Park, amid fears that the club would need to cash in on him this summer.
But that is no longer the case, and the Athletic report that the midfielder’s injury inadvertently helped the Magpies retain the services of Joelinton.
According to the Athletic, Joelinton’s injury led to potential suitors questioning his long-term fitness, with his athleticism being a key reason as to why he is such a good player. They add that his salary demands ultimately could not be matched elsewhere, with his representatives initially hoping he could command a much bigger wage package.
Joelinton close to returning for Newcastle
With Joelinton suddenly less appealing to potential buyers, it seemingly became easier for Toon officials to convince him to stay.
Now the Brazil international is staying put, much to the delight of Eddie Howe and every Newcastle United supporter.
Joelinton signing his new contract was a huge moment, and the next milestone will be seeing him back on the pitch.
It has been hoped that he could feature before the end of the season, with the Magpies having six games remaining. It was recently reported that Joelinton is still a couple of weeks away, but hopefully we get the chance to see him play before the 2023/24 campaign comes to an end.
The post Report: 27-year-old Newcastle United player's injury actually helped Eddie Howe recently appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.