Newcastle United star Joelinton should be good to go for the Magpies' last 16 League Cup tie against AFC Bournemouth.
The Brazilian suffered a slight muscle strain in Riyadh during the 5-0 win over Al-Hilal and was walked around the pitch by a physio. But Joelinton's substitution was nothing more than a precaution.
It remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe uses him against Rayo Vallecano at St James' Park on Saturday in the lunchtime friendly clash. However, with Chris Wood also taken off against Al-Hilal with a back problem, Howe must get the balance right on his frontmen.
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Alexander Isak may not feature against the La Liga side as he targets the Bournemouth game on December 21. But Howe must box clever in terms of his back-up options.
Were Isak not to make it for Bournemouth, Wood could be a strong contender to start as he did against Crystal Palace in the last round. Callum Wilson's return date is also not yet known after his efforts with England at the World Cup.
Joelinton would give Howe options in Newcastle's midfield and the front three and managing his strain is key to Howe's preparations. Speaking after the game against Al-Hilal, Howe had said: "I think Chris has just got a back problem. I don’t think it’s too bad. Joelinton felt a tightness in his hamstring. I don’t think it’s a pull or anything. Fingers crossed, they’re not too bad."
Meanwhile, both Matt Targett and Karl Darlow should have recovered from sickness in time for the weekend friendly against the Spanish side.
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