Newcastle United have teed themselves up for an exciting end to the season.
Eddie Howe’s side are unbeaten since the international break and managed a convincing 4-0 win over Champions League-chasing Tottenham before a brief break until they play Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
It all means Newcastle are now in the driving seat in the race for the top six. They are two points ahead of West Ham with a game in hand and while Manchester United are currently level on points, Newcastle have already beaten the Red Devils twice this season and have them still to play.
Qualifying for the Europa League would be a pretty sizeable achievement from Howe and his coaching staff following this most turbulent of campaigns.
Indeed, though there is still work to be done on that front, Newcastle could be handed a big boost in the coming weeks.
Joelinton – who has recently signed a new contract with the club – is closing in on a return.
New Joelinton injury return date emerges for Newcastle
According to The Chronicle, the Brazilian international is making good progress behind the scenes after thigh surgery.
They claim that Howe is not putting pressure on the 27-year-old after a significant period out on the sidelines.
Still, there is hope he could be back in action by the time Newcastle travel to Burnley on Saturday 4 May, 2024.
That would potentially make him available for the final four games of the season and, crucially, for what looks like a play-off for sixth place against Man United at Old Trafford on Wednesday 15 May, 2024.
Newcastle could have new plan for Joelinton when he returns from injury
Earlier this week, The Athletic claimed that Howe had wanted to use Joelinton as a left winger away from home this season – with Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff operating in the middle.
Injuries, however, have denied him of that. Joelinton has almost exclusively played in central midfield this season but perhaps he could take that left wing role upon his return.
Obviously, Willock will not be able to feature but perhaps Elliot Anderson could take the other midfield berth.
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