Newcastle CONFIRM Joelinton will miss rest of the season after surgery in major blow to Toon’s Euro hopes
NEWCASTLE have confirmed Joelinton will be out for the rest of the season after sustaining a thigh injury earlier this month.
The midfielder was forced off the pitch in the Magpie's 3-0 FA Cup win against bitter rivals Sunderland on January 6.
The 27-year-old was initially told he could be out for six weeks but further tests have revealed the issue is more serious than first believed.
And after successfully undergoing surgery this week the Magpies have confirmed the Brazilian is expected to return to the pitch in May.
The club's official Twitter account released a statement saying: "Newcastle United can confirm that Joelinton has successfully undergone surgery on a thigh injury sustained earlier this month.
"The midfielder will now commence a period of rehabilitation overseen by the club’s medical team.
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"And is expected to return to action in May 2024. We wish you a speedy recovery, Joey!"
Newcastle have had to deal with an injury crisis for much of this season with Nick Pope, Javier Manquillo, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes and Matt Target all currently sidelined.
Meanwhile, Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson and Tino Livramento are all being assessed and are nearing comebacks.
The Toon are further stretched in midfield due to Sandro Tonali serving a ten-month betting ban.
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Eddie Howe's side sit tenth in the table and are desperate to bolster their squad in this month's transfer window.
But due to Financial Fair Play regulations, the Magpies are having to offload their main men.
With Miguel Almiron rumoured to leave the club for Saudi Arabia, Kieran Trippier has had an offer from Bayern Munich rejected and Callum Wilson has turned down Atletico Madrid's deal.