Newcastle injury woes worsen as Joelinton is ruled out for a few weeks | OneFootball

Newcastle United head into their must-win final Champions League group phase showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, facing key injury concerns.

They travel to the Parc des Princes knowing that their fate in the competition could hinge on the fitness of two influential midfielders.

The Magpies are hoping for a result that guarantees them a spot in the knockout stage without having to go through the Champions League play-offs.

Newcastle head into this fixture level on points with PSG and only behind on goal difference.

The margins are so tight that anything but a win for the Magpies could drop them down the standings depending on other results.

Newcastle and Howe have plenty riding on this high-stakes fixture, but they’ll take inspiration from previous performances against the French champions.

Both sides have met twice in the Champions League recently. Newcastle claimed a thumping 4-1 victory at St James’ Park before drawing 1-1 in Paris.

While Howe will back himself and his players to repeat those performances, they must now do so without at least one of their key midfielders.

Newcastle are already dealing with several injuries, and Joelinton has now joined that growing list of absentees.

Howe has confirmed that the midfielder will miss the PSG clash after picking up a groin injury early in the second half against Aston Villa.

Scans suggest the problem is not severe, but Howe confirmed that Joelinton is likely to be sidelined for a few weeks due to Newcastle’s heavy schedule.

“Joe won’t make the game,” Howe said during his pre-match press conference. “He has had a scan. We don’t think it is a bad injury, but we think he will be out for a few weeks. He will miss a few games.”

Newcastle could welcome Bruno Guimaraes back after missing the 2-0 home defeat to Villa with an ankle issue.

Howe confirmed that Guimaraes is back on track but still needs to pass a late fitness test to assess whether he can play a part in the PSG clash.

“Our other Brazilian, Bruno, is with us,” Howe added. “We will know more in the next few hours.”