Eddie Howe now appears likely to miss one of his stars in Newcastle United’s match with the Premier League winners, adding to the team’s injury worries.

Joelinton was the victim of Saturday’s derby victory at the Stadium of Light. It seems like we can never play a game without suffering at least one injury.

When the £40 million Brazilian beast isn’t playing, our midfield is woefully inadequate, even when playing against more modest teams. It will be a major loss without him when we play teams like Manchester City.

Joelinton could miss the Man City game on Saturday

But it appears that’s what awaits us this weekend when Pep Guardiola’s champions visit the city.

Joelinton has had nagging minor injuries that have kept him in and out of the lineup the whole season. Most likely because Eddie Howe simply won’t wait for the man to fully heal before putting him back on the team.

Despite Joelinton’s injury not being serious, Craig Hope has now stated on X that he would probably miss this weekend’s games.

“Hearing that Joelinton thigh injury will be enough to keep him out of Man City this weekend, although not too serious”

Joelinton is lucky that the match against City is the final one before the winter break, which means he will have more time to heal this time around rather than being thrown into the action and having to leave at halftime.

Though Man City are certainly no pushovers, and we need someone with Joey’s strength and tenacity to throw their weight around in the center of the pitch, he will be a tremendous miss.

Having said that, I’d prefer we just kept him out of any late fitness tests or anything similar so he could heal rather than putting him at danger.