Newcastle United star Joelinton will be ready to feature in pre-season after making good progress after suffering a nasty final day injury at Burnley.
The Brazilian picked endured a bone-deep laceration to the foot in the opening stages of the 2-1 win at Burnley last month. That day he was carried off on a stretcher and needed treatment but crucially suffered no break.
And after a few weeks rest sources close to the former Hoffenheim star say is confident of taking part in Newcastle's pre-season schedule. Of course, United medics won't take any big risks if they have any doubt about the healing process, but even if there is any caution fans can rest well knowing he is in no danger of missing the big kick off in August.
Eddie Howe was delighted with Joelinton after switching him to midfield and said at the end of the campaign: "I have experienced turnarounds in careers but not quite as spectacular as this. The transfer fee he was signed for had nothing to do with him."
Howe must decide whether to stick with Joelinton in midfield or revert him to his the offensive position he was signed in. But Joelinton should be fit to play for Howe in the pre-season friendly fixture list regardless of where on the field.
