Newcastle are hopeful that Joelinton will return for Thursday's Premier League trip to Everton. 

The lowdown

Eddie Howe's team travel to Merseyside as they look to return to winning ways after their lengthy unbeaten streak came to an end against Chelsea last Sunday.

Joelinton, one of the club's top earners on £86.5k per week, has missed out on the Magpies' last two matchday squads with a minor groin injury.

Howe said that the 25-year-old was 'close' to being available for the trip to Stamford Bridge but couldn't complete a full training session before the match.

The latest

Newcastle World journalist Jordan Cronin has provided an update on Joelinton's fitness ahead of Thursday night's clash against Everton.

He wrote that 'it is hoped' that the Brazilian forward will be back in action at Goodison Park, having had four additional days to get himself fit for the match following Sunday's loss in west London.

The verdict

Joelinton's impending comeback is a significant boost for Howe and Newcastle. He had established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet before this slight setback, starting the 44-year-old's first 14 Premier League games in charge on Tyneside.

Cronin said last month that 25-year-old had enjoyed an 'absolutely extraordinary' upturn in fortunes under the new boss.

After Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey missed the Chelsea game through illness, Howe was forced into what he called a 'complete tactical reshuffle'. However, with that duo also expected to be back in contention for Thursday night, he shouldn't have to deal with the same headache this time around.

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