Howe: With Joe, we could never rule him out!

NEWCASTLE United boss Eddie Howe will not put any pressure on Joelinton to return before the end of the season - but insists the midfield enforcer's steely nature means he could be seen again this term.

- By LEE RYDER

Joelinton missed the 3-0 win over Ipswich Town due to a knee issue and is out of the clash at Brighton tomorrow. For now, Joelinton has jetted back to Brazil for a period of rest but Howe could not rule the star out of one of the final fixtures.

Howe, speaking at his Press conference ahead of the trip to Brighton, said: "The likelihood is it'll be difficult [to play again this season]. I think, but with Joe, we could never rule him out.

"I think he's so motivated to try and come back but he had discomfort in his knee last week, just before the game, so he's sort of got a specialist's opinion. That opinion was that it was nothing serious but he needed a period of rest.