Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe believes Joelinton will be fit and ready to play against Manchester United this Sunday. However, Joe Willock faces a race against time to be included in the Wembley showpiece.
Joelinton went down clutching his hamstring during the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend but was pleading with Howe to keep him on the pitch at St James' Park. The Brazilian was withdrawn for Matt Ritchie and shared words with the Newcastle coach before taking his place on the bench.
Willock limped off during the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth earlier this month and missed the defeat to Liverpool with the same hamstring issue. The attacking midfielder remains a doubt ahead of Newcastle's trip to the capital this weekend.
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"We think Joelinton is OK from the weekend - there's still a long time to go before the game," Howe told reporters on Tuesday. "Joe Willock will be in a race to be fit but we're hopeful."
Willock has been an ever-present figure for Howe of late, enjoying one of his best runs of form since joining the Magpies under Steve Bruce. The former Arsenal man was visibly distressed when withdrawn on the south coast this month and his absence would be a big blow for the north east outfit in the Carabao Cup final.
Callum Wilson was another injury doubt heading into last Saturday's clash with Liverpool but came through unscathed after replacing Alexander Isak midway through the second-half.
"I think Callum did well when he came on," Howe told reporters in recent days. "He had the chance to score which he's probably disappointed he didn't take. It was great driving play from Anthony who did well, as did most of the subs when they came on.
"Callum did well, I was pleased with him and I'm just pleased he managed to get through that 30 minute spell fine."
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