Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be forced to work around several injury concerns for Wednesday’s Champions League Group F clash with Paris Saint-Germain at St James’ Park.
The Magpies ended their 20-year wait for top-level European football with a 0-0 draw at AC Milan two weeks ago, before embarking on a three-game domestic winning streak.
However, in their most recent triumph over Burnley, Joelinton – who came on as a substitute – lasted just four minutes before sustaining a hamstring problem and having to come off, although Howe is confident that the Brazilian’s affliction is not a serious one.
Nevertheless, Joelinton’s chances of a rapid recovery in time for Wednesday are slim, while Harvey Barnes (ankle), Joe Willock (Achilles) and Sven Botman (knee) are also confined to the medical bay.
Howe will be faced with an attacking dilemma for his side’s forthcoming Premier League meeting with West Ham United, as Anthony Gordon will be suspended, but the former Everton player will be fine to take his spot on the left wing here.
Callum Wilson is struggling to recover from a hamstring injury in time for PSG’s visit, but Alexander Isak should start, most likely with Miguel Almiron, despite the fact that Jacob Murphy started at San Siro.
With Joelinton in the care of the doctors, Sean Longstaff, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes should form the midfield triumvirate, while Kieran Trippier will take on the taxing task of trying to keep Kylian Mbappe quiet.
Unless Botman’s knee problem does not prove as serious as first feared, Jamaal Lascelles is also set to earn a Champions League start in a rearguard also comprising Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Nick Pope.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Longstaff, Tonali, Guimaraes; Almiron, Isak, Gordon