Both Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin are doubts for Newcastle United’s match against Chelsea this weekend, according to Eddie Howe.
Neither Joelinton nor Saint-Maximin were available for yesterday night’s 2-1 victory over Southampton due to injuries and illness respectively.
Joelinton and Saint-Maximin did not travel to the south coast with the rest of Newcastle’s squad, but Howe reveals that both players may be unable to make it to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Newcastle manager said:
“Joe has been managing a groin problem, and has come off in a couple of games with it.
“He’s gone down injured with it but has always managed to carry on, but (on Wednesday) I think the pain just got too much for him. We don’t anticipate it will keep him out or too long, but obviously it was enough for this game (at Southampton) and we know with the games to come, we want to protect him.
“Maxi is ill. We hope that’s not a long-term thing for him, but I don’t know whether he’ll be back for Chelsea yet or not.”
Fabian Schar had to be substituted late in the Southampton game. He had previously suffered a groin injury that required two treatments.
As long as he doesn’t experience any further setbacks, Howe believes the Swiss center-back will be fit to face Chelsea on Sunday.
He said: “Fabian’s had a groin issue for quite some time that he’s been managing and has been able to play on with. We hope that he’ll be okay.”
