Joelinton was a surprise starter for Newcastle United in Wednesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City. Not because of his football ability (obviously), but because he was earlier ruled out due to a knee ailment.
The Brazilian has missed the previous three games against Brentford, AC Milan, and Sheffield United after worsening a knee injury sustained on international duty against Liverpool at home last month.
The 27-year-old was supposed to miss a “few weeks” but Magpies head coach Eddie Howe hinted last week that he could return sooner than thought. As it turned out, Joelinton was back in the starting lineup for the visit of the English and European champions.
He played a key role, too, having set up Alexander Isak’s winning strike in the 53rd minute.
Talking about his recovery, Joelinton said: “I’m so pleased to be back with the team. For me, it was a long week out. I tried to recover to come back as quickly as possible. I did everything I could to be back with the team so I’m very happy.
“The game against Liverpool I felt something in my knee which carried into Brighton and then the national team. When I came back, I knew I had to stop because I didn’t want to play to not help the team. I was not feeling my best so I had to stop and take care of myself and come back better.
“I feel good to be back. I put so much work in last week to come back. I was happy I had a chance to start the game. I knew I had to respond and come back strong.”
Meanwhile, Howe was also pleased with how the £40million signing looked physically, despite limited training time,
Howe said: “It was the plan to involve him if he was fit and he passed that test a few days ago so we were delighted to get him back, he’s such an important player.
“Even in that first-half he was probably the one player who was winning duels and getting close to his opponents. He was the one who nicked the ball for Jacob Murphy’s chance in that first period so I was pleased with Joe, I thought it was a good return to form for him.
“Physically he looked good even though he’s had limited training.”
Newcastle turn their attention to Burnley on Saturday afternoon before hosting Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League three days later.