Newcastle hope Joelinton will be back for the visit of Aston Villa on Thursday (3pm GMT) as the midfielder continues to recover from the injury that took him to hospital after Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win at home to Brentford.

Midfielder Jolinton 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 as he is suspended.

Manager Eddie Howe said, “He had various injuries to his face … a few stitches in and around his ear.” “We’ll see how he is (on Monday).”

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

Eddie Howe on Aston Villa:

“We played 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 really good players. His style is very difficult to play against, very well coached, very good… pic.twitter.com/7o1WOXwJji

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Newcastle injuries

Howe said Joe Willock was “doing well” after receiving treatment at Ipswich for a head injury. “It’s really important now to keep Joe fit for continued spells,” he added. “He’s worked hard to get fit 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 matches in 2024/25.

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

Addie Hove on the festival schedule:

“With every reason for us to be excited about those games (against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur), I’ve been really pleased with how we’ve played in recent games, and I think we need to take that into next week. We… pic.twitter.com/KaUUIbJxlw

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Nick Pope ‘Feels Strong’

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

“Initially he was given a time frame where he had to rest. He has had two injections in his knee and is feeling better and stronger.

“(Craft is) back on the grass and running. The biggest thing for him is that he will approach when he is re-entered into group training.

Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:

“Jacob is very unselfish, he always plays for the team, really makes a splash by scoring a goal, he’s always been that way. Those qualities are what every team needs. pic.twitter.com/AJd126dCxQ

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2024

Newcastle vs Villa

Newcastle are eighth in the Premier League, having 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.