Joelinton: Newcastle United midfielder ruled out for minimum of six weeks with thigh injury
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Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks with a thigh injury.
The 27-year-old injured his quad during the Magpies' 3-0 FA Cup win against Sunderland on Saturday.
The Brazil international has made 23 appearances this season, scoring three goals and making four assists.
Speaking on Friday, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: "We have had to try and pick him up. He is our midfield driving force, it is a big blow."
Newcastle face Manchester City in the Premier League at St James' Park at 17:30 GMT on Saturday.
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Howe's squad has been plagued with injuries so far this season, with Joelinton becoming the 11th player to have an extended spell on the sidelines.
"[Joelinton] is such an important player. He has a problem with his tendon in his quad," said Howe.
"He is very disappointed, he wants to play and do well."
Despite Newcastle's resources being stretched, Howe said it is unlikely the club will make any big moves in the January transfer window.
"We're not shutting the door on everything, but certainly as I sit here now, no, we're not going to bring anyone in," he said.
"But that may change as the window unfolds."
Newcastle have been linked with City midfielder Kalvin Phillips and Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, who was voted Premier League player of the month for December.
However, Howe conceded signing players from league rivals - even if just on loan - would prove difficult.
He added: "It's frustrating story for me because yes, I love Dominic Solanke - I signed him and I rate him very, very highly.
"But we have not made an enquiry for him and we don't have the ability to sign a player of that level.
"I'm not sure there are many clubs out there that are willing to help us currently.
"To agree a loan deal, you need the club to agree to that deal, so we're in that moment where I'm not sure we have many friends in the market."
Following the game with City, Newcastle travel to Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round on 27 January, then face Aston Villa at Villa Park in the league three days later.
Newcastle, ninth in the Premier League, ended a poor run of form against rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, when Joelinton was substituted after 47 minutes.
Meanwhile, Howe said the club was feeling of the pressure of Financial Fair Play restrictions, after Newcastle posted a £73m loss for the 2022-23 season.
The Magpies were taken over by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in October 2021, but chief executive Darren Eales warned they could still have to sell players to their rivals.
"It's a frustration for everyone connected with us, as the owners are ambitious and they'd like to help us through this patch and improve the squad," Howe said.
"But there are rules and it's the same for everyone. It is how it is and we're acting in the way that we can."
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