Howe gives injury updates on Joelinton, Willock, Krafth and Pope

Newcastle hope Joelinton will be back for the visit of Aston Villa on Thursday (3pm GMT) as the midfielder continues his recovery from the injury that saw him taken to hospital following the Carabao Cup win at home to Brentford on Wednesday.

Midfielder Joelinton was replaced at half-time after a clash with Nathan Collins and did not play in the Magpies’ 4-0 win at Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday as he was suspended.

“He had various injuries to his face … multiple stitches in and around his ear,” said officer Eddie Howe. “We’ll see how he is (Monday).”

Joelinton started all 20 of Newcastle’s games in all competitions before the trip to Portman Road.

Eddie Howe at Aston Villa:

“We had two games against Aston Villa last season. This will be a great challenge for us. I think they have good depth in their squad, they have very good players. Their style is difficult to play against, well trained, well trained… pic.twitter.com/7o1WOXwJji

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Newcastle injury

Howe said Joe Willock is “fine” after receiving treatment in Ipswich for a head injury. “Getting Joe fit enough to be able to cope at all times is very important,” he added. “He has worked hard to get back on his feet after a very difficult time for him.”

Willock missed most of last season due to hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries, but has appeared in all three of his team’s games in 2024/25.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope has missed the past three games with a knee injury, while defender Emile Krafth is recovering from a broken collarbone.

Eddie Howe on the festival schedule:

“Whatever the reasons that made us happy with the games (against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur), I have been very happy with the way we have played in recent games, and I think we have to do that next week. We… pic.twitter.com/KaUUIbJxlw

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Nick Pope ‘feels strong’

“Nick Pope is fine,” said Howe, admitting he did not know when the 32-year-old would return.

“He was given a start time where he had to rest. He’s had a few injections in his knee and he’s feeling better and stronger.

“(Krafth) is back on the grass and running. The big thing for him is contact once he gets back to team training.”

Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:

“Jacob is very dedicated, he always plays for the team, he always scores goals, he has been like that. Those qualities are what every team needs.” pic.twitter.com/AJd126dCxQ

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Newcastle vs Villa

Newcastle are eighth in the Premier League, having beaten Leicester City 4-0 at home in their last game on December 14.

Villa are two points above them in sixth place after recording their third win in four league games with a 2-1 home win against Manchester City on Saturday.