The Magpies are down to the bare bones when it comes to centre-backs and Eddie Howe has been forced into coming up with a Plan B
Joelinton was forced off with a potential injury during Newcastle United’s Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen(Image: (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images))
Newcastle United could have to turn to a shock alternative if they suffer another centre-back injury this weekend against Chelsea.
Already without Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles, Howe has just Fabian Schar and Malick Thiaw as the last two standing in the heart of his defence. Young Irish full-back Alex Murphy is capable of tucking into the centre if required, but Howe will have no choice but to take drastic action if he suffers further issues.
Joeilinton has filled in at centre-back in pre-season before and been known to drop back as part of a hybrid system on occasion for the Magpies. Howe famously converted him from a struggling centre-forward into a midfield enforcer early into his stint as boss.
But now he may have to be used in the middle of Howe’s defensive rearguard, when asked on the possibility, Howe said: “Possibly, possibly. I wouldn’t think that’s one of my first looks, but who knows what’s going to happen in the next few days, so we’ll see.”
Joelinton has not featured in the last two matches after a groin injury meant he missed out on the 1-0 loss at Sunderland and then the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham.
The Brazilian limped off in the 2-2 draw ith Bayer Leverkusen to be replaced by Lewis Miley, and while he has been on the bench the last couple of matches – and has been training – he has remained an unused substitute.
Joelinton seems no closer to starting against Chelsea on Saturday, with Howe saying: “He’s not too bad. He’s training. I’m taking advice from the medical team, they can say he can be involved.
“But whether I push him to start a game at the moment, or my intention is probably to let him recover, maybe a few more days and then see when he’s ready to start.”
For now Howe is pondering how to use Irish youngster Alex Murphy after his cameo in the cup against the Cottagers. The Galway lad stands by for the Chelsea game with Lewis Hall deemed touch and go.
Howe said: “In an important moment for the team Alex did really well. He’s trained with us for a long time but hasn’t had any major game exposure with us.
“He’s had a lot of training time, a lot of development and a good loan spell. He’s someone we trust and performances like that will do him good for the long term.”
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