Eddie Howe confirms huge Newcastle injury concern ahead of Arsenal semi-final
Eddie Howe confirms huge Newcastle injury concern ahead of Arsenal semi-final
Share:
Eddie Howe is sweating over the fitness of Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton ahead of the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. The Gunners travel to St James’ Park on Wednesday night looking to overturn a two-goal deficit and book their place in the final. Mikel Arteta’s side have a mountain to climb after being beaten 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the first leg last month. They are, however, in fine fettle following a hugely impressive 5-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City at the weekend.
![[Newcastle United FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GettyImages-2194812377.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Newcastle, meanwhile, lost 2-1 at home to Fulham on Saturday in a game in which Joelinton also suffered a potentially costly injury. The Brazilian, who has featured in all but two of Newcastle’s Premier League games this season, was forced off with a knee injury and was pictured wearing a brace over the weekend. Howe says Joelinton is now a ‘doubt’ for the Arsenal clash but will give him every chance to prove his fitness in the build-up to the crucial fixture.
![[Arsenal FC v Manchester City FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GettyImages-2197289671.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘Yes, Joey was, after the game, put in a knee brace just as a precaution, he’s out of that knee brace now,’ Howe said at his pre-match press conference. ‘We’ll assess how he is for this game. I’d say he’s a doubt, but we give him every minute we can to try and make him fit.’. Discussing his squad more generally, Howe added: ‘From my side, we want a competitive team on the pitch. Everyone wants it the same away.
‘With Callum (Wilson) coming back, Harvey (Barnes) and Jamal (Lascelles) still out. We don’t have loads of injuries but managing that squad is important.’. Despite holding a two-goal advantage going into the second leg, Howe says it is imperative for his Newcastle side to be ‘positive and aggressive’ against Arsenal. ‘I think my message is we’re at the halfway point, the away game was a good performance from us but against any opposition, the game is still alive,’ he said.
‘You then add the quality of Arsenal, we have to be on our guard. We have to try and be positive and aggressive, there will be no deviation from that. ‘We have to engage the crowd and try and make the most of every opportunity. ‘We have become a really potent team at St James’ Park and that’s going to to be really important in this game. We have to make this a positive atmosphere.’. Newcastle or Arsenal will meet either Tottenham or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Spurs hold a one-goal advantage going into the second leg at Anfield.
