Howe gives an injury update on Joelinton, Willock, Krafth and Pope

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

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

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

Joelinton had started Newcastle’s 20th game in all competitions before leaving the trip to Portman Road.

Eddie Howe on Aston Villa:

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

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Injuries Newcastle

Howe said Joe Willock is “fine” after receiving treatment in Ipswich for a head injury. “Keeping Joe fit for a sustained period is now really important,” he added. “He’s put in the hard work to get back in shape after a really tough time for him.”

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

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

Eddie Howe on the holiday schedule:

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

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Nick Pope ‘feels strong’

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

“Initially he was given time to rest. He 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 is introduced back into group training.”

Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:

“Jacob is very selfless, he always plays for the team, he really gets a buzz from scoring a goal, he’s always been like that. Those qualities that every team needs.” pic.twitter.com/AJd126dCxQ

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Newcastle vs Villa

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

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