Eddie Howe will call for somebody to step up and fill the boots of Newcastle United midfield enforcer Joelinton this weekend.
The Brazilian star was booked at Manchester City and landed a two-match suspension which means fans won't see him again until after the international break when Newcastle face Manchester United at St James' Park.
Joelinton has been one of the stars of the season for Howe but with the squad's strength in depth now set to be tested, it will offer a chance for somebody to impress.
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The obvious candidate to slot straight back into the engine room is Joe Willock who came on as a substitute and put one on a plate for Joelinton with an excellent cross in the 2-0 loss at City. Geordie youngster Elliot Anderson is also a choice for Howe but he has only afforded the 20-year-old one start this season.
Whether Howe went for the more radical option of pushing Fabian Schar back into a midfield role he occupied during the Steve Bruce era is debatable. But Howe will have to make a tough choice at the back with Schar fit again from a head knock and Jamaal Lascelles coming in off the back a good show at City.
When asked about his midfield poser, caused by the Joelinton ban, Howe said: "We're certainly going to miss him.
"Given the two games we've got before the international break, that's going to be a long absence for him. I thought it was a harsh booking for him and he plays on the edge, he's a fierce competitor."
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