Eddie Howe admits influential Newcastle man could be dropped after arrest for drink driving
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted Brazilian midfielder Joelinton could be dropped for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham after being arrested for drink driving.
The 26-year-old was stopped by police during the early hours of Thursday morning and later charged, and is due to appear before magistrates later this month.
Asked if he would be available for Sunday’s game, head coach Howe said: “I’m going to have to reflect and analyse on that and I’ll make a decision closer to the game in consultation with him, so I’m not 100 per cent sure.”
Joelinton has appeared in 21 of the club’s 23 matches in all competitions to date this season and has been in a fine run of form, and his absence would represent a significant blow.
Asked how he was dealing with the situation, Howe said: “It came very much as a shock. It’s a difficult situation.
“Joe is very remorseful, he was very upset yesterday. I think he knows the seriousness of the situation. Obviously I can’t go in to too much detail out of respect for the case, but I think he understands his responsibilities.
“We’re now in a position where we’re supporting him, and we also understand as a football club the seriousness of the situation.”
Howe considering unleashing deadly strike duo
Ahead of the game against the in-form Cottagers, Howe also commented on the likelihood of strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson starting together.
The Toon chief added: “Of course [that is an option]. I have to evaluate every game and situation; you might want two attackers on the pitch but you don’t want to damage the balance of the team. They are two outstanding players.
“I decided to replace Callum against Leicester as we nurse him back from illness; he did well, Alex did well. Both are doing well.
“Alex has trained well off the back of that cameo this week [he played over 10 minutes against Leicester]. We have to be careful with him, just with the length of time he had out and the type of injury. He’s keen to be involved but we need him in the long-term.”
