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

Newcastle hope Joelinton will be back to visit Aston Villa on Thursday (1500 GMT) as the midfielder continues his recovery from the injury that took him to hospital following their Carabao Cup win at home to Brentford on Wednesday.

Midfielder Joelinton was substituted at half-time after a challenge on Nathan Collins and did not feature in the Magpies’ 4-0 win at Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday as he is suspended.

“He had various facial injuries … several stitches in and around his ear,” manager Eddie Howe said. “We’ll see how he is (on Monday).”

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

Eddie Howe on Aston Villa:

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

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Newcastle injuries

Howe said Joe Willock is “fine” after receiving treatment in Ipswich for a head injury. “It’s very important now to keep Joe fit for a continued spell,” he added. “He’s done the hard work to get back into shape after a really tough period for him.”

Willock missed most of last season with hamstring and Achilles injuries, but has featured in all but three of his side’s 2024/25 games.

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

Eddie Howe on the ceremonial schedule:

“Every reason for us to be excited about those games (against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur), I was really pleased with how we played in the last few games, and I think we need to take that into account next week. Me… pic.twitter.com/KaUUIbJxlw

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Nick Pope ‘Feels Strong’

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

“Initially, he was given a time frame in which he must rest. He has had a few injections in his knee and is feeling better and feeling strong.

“(Krafth is) back on the grass and running. The big thing for him will be contact when he gets back into group training.”

Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:

“Jacob is very unselfish, he always plays for the team, he really gets carried away with scoring goals, he’s always been like that. Every team needs those qualities.” pic.twitter.com/AJd126dCxQ

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Newcastle v Villa

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

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