£150,000-per-week Star Who “Dominates” Matches May Be Unavailable for Newcastle vs Arsenal

A key Newcastle United player could be sidelined for the team’s critical Carabao Cup semifinal second leg against Arsenal due to injury concerns.

Newcastle Preparing for Gunners Clash After Quiet Transfer Window

The Magpies face a pivotal match on Wednesday evening as they host Arsenal at St James’ Park for the second leg of their semifinal tie. Eddie Howe’s squad secured a valuable 2-0 victory in the first leg, with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, putting Newcastle in position to potentially claim their first domestic trophy in decades.

However, Newcastle enter the midweek showdown on a concerning run of form, having lost their last two Premier League home matches. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fulham last weekend, following a 4-1 thrashing by Bournemouth at St James’ Park.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are riding high after a commanding 5-1 win over Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday. Howe is well aware his team faces a formidable challenge. Now, a worrying injury update has emerged ahead of the crucial fixture.

Newcastle Hit With Pre-Arsenal Injury Concern

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie was first to report that Joelinton is doubtful for Newcastle’s match against Arsenal on Wednesday, with the Brazilian nursing a knee issue sustained in the Fulham defeat.

Joelinton’s potential absence would be a major blow for the Magpies, given the 28-year-old’s dominant presence in midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. While Howe confirmed there is concern in his pre-match press conference, he offered fans hope with nine promising words: “We will give him every chance to be fit.”

The Newcastle star is highly regarded by his teammates. Downie revealed earlier this season: “He’s dominating that midfield. Speaking to any player, like Joe Willock today, they just rave about how good he is. Callum Wilson said the same on his podcast recently. Sean Longstaff noted after the Manchester United draw, ‘He gets criticism sometimes, but he’s the best player in training every single day.'”

If the £150,000-per-week Joelinton is unavailable, Newcastle cannot let it derail them as they aim to fend off an Arsenal comeback and avoid a devastating elimination. Joe Willock appears the most likely replacement in Howe’s starting lineup, though Sean Longstaff offers a more defensive-minded option to partner Bruno and Tonali.

A monumental night awaits Newcastle supporters. Advancing to next month’s final would mark one of the most significant occasions in the club’s history.