Eddie Howe is relieved to have Joelinton fit and firing for Newcastle United following his knee injury.
The Brazilian picked up a knee problem during the 2-1 defeat to Fulham last month and was in a race against time to be fit for the Carabao Cup final. A welcome return against Brighton last weekend saw Joelinton play 64 minutes before being hooked.
He came through the game unscathed and is now preparing for a mammoth eight days on Tyneside. Newcastle travel to West Ham United on Monday before returning to the capital for the Wembley showdown with Liverpool.
Joelinton will also be heartened by his return to the Brazilian national team after being included to the squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. The 28-year-old has been nominated with his Newcastle teammate and best pal Bruno Guimaraes.
Before the trip to West Ham United, Howe spoke with media about Joelinton’s “absolute beast” training regimen in preparation for the Carabao Cup final next week. He stated, “Big news for him, and I’m thrilled for Joe. He is such a passionate individual.
“One of the highlights on Sunday was seeing him return to his best form, running, pursuing, winning balls, and being a true enforcer for us in that midfield. It is a credit to his character that he is back on the Brazil team.
“Joe is another player who can play off the left and has done so well for us in the past. The most satisfying aspect of Sunday was his performance. I thought he seemed active. He looked like his usual self.
“There appeared to be no hangover from his injury, which is not surprising. I saw the work he did. He trained like a beast because he knows what is ahead (Wembley and Brazil).
