Newcastle star at risk of two-game ban - One away from missing Brentford and Leicester
It's been a tough week for Eddie Howe, who has lost three players to injury or suspension ahead of a huge double header against West Ham and Liverpool.
Anthony Gordon is suspended for the next three games after his red card against Brighton, while Lewis Hall and Sven Botman are both facing spells on the sidelines ahead of surgery.
With that in mind, it's a vital period to keep players fit and available, as our already-thin squad heads into a vital stage of the season in league and cup. Unfortunately, however, a certain Mag is one caution away from a suspension of his own.
Two-match ban looming
Premier League rules state that any player booked 10 times before the 33rd game of the season will be handed a two-match ban - and we have one man walking that tightrope.
It may come as no surprise, but Joelinton picked up his ninth yellow card of the league season in last month's 2-1 defeat to Fulham, leaving him at risk.
Should the Brazilian receive a yellow card in tonight's 8pm clash at West Ham, he'll miss our next two Premier League games.
Crucially, he would NOT miss the Carabao Cup final - unlike the suspended Anthony Gordon - but would be forced to sit out next month's league games at home to Brentford and away to Leicester.
To avoid a two-game ban before the cut off (our 33rd game of the season away to Aston Villa), Joelinton must avoid picking up a booking in our next five, where we'll face West Ham, Brentford, Leicester, Man Utd and Crystal Palace.
Brazilian boost for Joelinton
Last week, Joelinton was handed some brilliant news as the all-action midfielder was called up to the Brazil squad for the first time in over a year.
He'll take part in their World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina later this month, with Eddie Howe describing this as "huge news" for the man who is training like an "absolute beast" heading into a massive week for Newcastle.
Reacting to his call-up, Howe said: "Huge news for him, delighted for Joe. He is such a passionate guy.
“One of the highs on Sunday was to see him returning to his best way, running, chasing, winning balls, being a real enforcer for us in that midfield. It is a testament to his character that he is back in the Brazil squad.
“Joe is another one of those players who can play off the left and has done that well for us historically. The most pleasing thing from Sunday was his performance. I thought he looked energetic. He looked like his normal self.
“It looked like there was no hangover from his injury and I’m not nearly surprised by that. I saw the work he put in. He trained like an absolute beast because he knows what’s on the horizon (Wembley and Brazil).”
