The Newcastle coach also discussed Anthony Gordon’s recent absence amid rumours of a potential departure this summer
Eddie Howe took to Friday’s pre-game press conference to offer an injury update ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League duel against West Ham on Sunday.
The Magpies may have mathematically missed out on European qualification, but they are set to host a Hammers side in desperate need of three points in their bid to avoid relegation.
Having suffered nine defeats in their last 14 league games and a total of 16 losses so far this season, Newcastle sit 13th in the table. With West Ham visiting on Sunday, Howe revealed that Joelinton is a doubt due to a thigh issue.
“We have a doubt over Joelinton who has a slight thigh problem,” Howe said. “We are okay apart from that. Got other lads out, but there is no change to their status.”
The Newcastle coach went on to claim that defender Fabian Schär may not feature again this season due to an injury setback.
“I don’t think Fabian will make the last two games which is a real shame for him,” he added.
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“He was close to returning a few weeks ago, and then he suffered the infection, which set him back. He is back running again and looking healthy, but there is a big difference between that and actually playing. Fabian still has a lot to offer on the pitch. We will have discussions with him and his representatives this week.”
Gordon’s future remains uncertain
Meanwhile, Howe addressed Anthony Gordon’s future amid speculation of a potential departure this summer, with Bayern Munich reportedly interested to land the England international.
Despite having fully recovered from injury, Gordon has yet to return to action, with Howe suggesting that he didn’t feature against Nottingham Forest due to the team having one eye on next season.
“No updates from me [on Gordon],” Howe noted.
“These are discussions that potentially might be happening, but not with me. When you get to this stage of the season, part of what we will be doing, we’ll be looking to next year, naturally.
“Anthony has just come back from injury. I think the team has played well in his absence and with a partial view to the future, yes.
“If it’s the right thing for the team, and as I say, I put the team and the club above any individual, then I would play them, of course.”
