Eddie Howe confirms huge Newcastle injury concerns ahead of Arsenal semi-finals

Eddie Howe is sweating over the fitness of Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton ahead of the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

The Gunners travel to St James’ Park on Wednesday night looking to overturn a two-goal deficit and book their place in the final.

Mikel Arteta’s side have a mountain to climb after being beaten 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the first leg last month.

They are, however, in fine fettle following a hugely impressive 5-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City at the weekend.

Newcastle lost 2-1 at home to Fulham on Saturday in a game in which Joelinton also suffered a potentially costly injury.

The Brazilian, who has featured in all but two of Newcastle’s Premier League games this season, was forced off with a knee injury and pictured wearing a brace over the weekend.

Howe says Joelinton is a ‘doubt’ for the Arsenal clash but will give him every chance to prove his fitness in the build-up to the crucial fixture.

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‘Yes, Joey was, after the game, put in a knee brace just as a precaution, he’s out of that knee brace now,’ Howe said at his pre-match press conference.

‘We’ll assess how he is for this game. I’d say he’s a doubt, but we give him every minute we can to try and make him fit