Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe might drop Brazilian midfielder Joelinton after his arrest for drink driving.
The 26-year-old who has grow to be a key member of Howe’s in-form aspect within the final 12 months, was stopped by police throughout the early hours of Thursday morning and later charged with driving while above the prescribed restrict for alcohol.
He will seem earlier than magistrates within the metropolis later this month, however it’s his availability for Sunday’s Premier League conflict which was the foremost speaking level because the Magpies boss carried out his pre-match press convention on Friday morning.
Asked if Joelinton could be accessible for the go to of Fulham, Howe replied: “I’m going to have to reflect and analyse on that and I’ll make a decision closer to the game in consultation with him, so I’m not 100 per cent sure.
“My relationship with Joe is very good. I have sat down with him and will do so again. Ultimately, I have to pick the best team to win the game, that’s my job, but I also have to take into account the situation around that.”
Joelinton, a then membership report £40million signing from German membership Hoffenheim in July 2019, has been one of many success tales of Howe’s reign thus far, shedding the tag of a striker who couldn’t rating objectives below predecessor Steve Bruce to ascertain himself as a marauding midfielder.
The South American, who scored his aspect’s second purpose of their 2-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Leicester on Tuesday night, has featured in 21 of the membership’s 23 video games to this point this season, however the allegation he’s going through might dent that run.
Howe, who revealed Joelinton is determined to play, stated: “It came very much as a shock. It’s a difficult situation. Joe is very remorseful, he was very upset yesterday. I think he knows the seriousness of the situation.
“Obviously I can’t go into too much detail out of respect for the case, but I think he understands his responsibilities.
“We’re now in a position where we’re supporting him and we also understand as a football club the seriousness of the situation.
“Everything will be dealt with internally. Looking at Joe as a person, he is a very good professional and is hugely passionate about his career and the club.
“I was very much surprised by what happened. But we will back him and support him, while also educating him and helping him, that is important. He is very young, everyone makes mistakes. I think it is also important that we don’t over-react.”
Asked if the membership’s Saudi-backed homeowners had been knowledgeable of the state of affairs and whether or not he could be left to handled it, Howe stated: “Of course we’ve had discussions because we’re very open with our communication around events that happen at the football club. I think that’s only right.
“But there’s been nothing that’s gone beyond just an explanation and saying what’s happened and how we’re going to deal with it. Everything then is left in my hands.”
