Joelinton returning to Newcastle squad for Champions League game at Qarabag

Joelinton has returned to Newcastle United’s first-team squad for their Champions League play-off tie against Qarabag.

After missing five matches in all competitions with a groin injury, the 29-year-old midfielder has travelled to Azerbaijan for Newcastle’s first-leg match and is available for selection.

With Bruno Guimaraes expected to miss between six to 10 weeks with a hamstring problem and Eddie Howe’s team stretched as they compete on three fronts, Joelinton’s return to fitness is a considerable fillip.

“He’s back in the squad, which is a great boost for us,” Howe said. “He’s such an important player and a big presence in our squad. A real leader. He trained well yesterday and felt really good, so (I’m) delighted with his return.”

Emil Krafth, the experienced defender, is now expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his knee. The Sweden international has been removed from Newcastle’s Champions League squad.

“Emil has had an operation on his knee so in all likelihood it looks like his season is over, which is a blow for us,” Howe added.

Krafth is out of contract at the end of this season, after signing an extension last February. The 31-year-old Swede has made 106 appearances for Newcastle since arriving from Bologna in 2019.