Newcastle United in fresh Joelinton injury update ahead of Leeds United clash
Joelinton appears to have proven his fitness battle for Newcastle United ahead of facing Leeds United on Saturday (13 May).
The Brazilian midfielder hobbled off injured in the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat to title-challengers Arsenal last time out in the Premier League.
It was reported Joelinton was a major doubt to face Leeds, providing a potential headache for boss Eddie Howe, who looks certain to be without Sean Longstaff.
However, the 26-year-old was featured in a gallery of photos taken during a Newcastle training session on Thursday (11 May), in a strong hint he will be fit to feature.
Leeds head into the clash against Champions League-chasing Newcastle sat 19th in the table and two points adrift of safety.
Magpies the trickiest test left for Leeds
Leeds began life under Sam Allardyce, appointed for the final four matches of the season in place of Javi Gracia, with a 2-1 loss against leaders Manchester City last time out.
After taking a first-half pummelling, Allardyce will have been encouraged by the improvement after half-time, and a late Rodrigo goal set up a nervy ending for the hosts at the Etihad Stadium.
But this isn’t gymnastics, three points are rewarded for a win only, there are no style points, and Leeds are fast running out of time to preserve their top-flight status.
Two of their remaining three fixtures are at Elland Road, the first of which being Newcastle, and you could easily argue Eddie Howe’s men represent the toughest task of all.
After Newcastle, Leeds face a trip to the London Stadium to face a West Ham side who are all but sure of safety and will surely be focusing their energies for the rest of the campaign on winning the Europa Conference League.
Following that, Leeds welcome Tottenham on the final day. On paper, Spurs is always a daunting fixture but with a packed-out Elland Road roaring them on, Leeds will fancy their chances against one of the league’s most inconsistent sides.
In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth provided a financial update as Leeds prepare for summer exodus if relegation fears are confirmed.