It was an afternoon to forget for Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium last weekend. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City ran out comfortable 4-0 winners against the Magpies, with new signing Omar Marmoush gabbing a hat-trick.
The result saw the Toon lose ground in the race for Champions League football, with Eddie Howe unable to call upon the same strength in depth as the hosts. When you add in injuries to the mix over the course of the campaign, it highlights just how good a job Howe has done this season, despite their recent struggles.
Sven Botman suffered a setback in his return from injury, while Joelinton joined Jamaal Lascelles on the sidelines as all three missed the game at the weekend. The Dutch defender is expected to return sooner than the other two, with Howe keen to take time with the 25-year-old given his lengthy spell on the sidelines, prior to his recent knock.
The Magpies boss expects Joelinton to be back in contention before the Carabao Cup final, while Lascelles also has an estimated return next month.
However, Joelinton is one of a number of Newcastle players at risk of suspension, handing Howe another unwanted selection headache in the weeks to come. The Brazilian is on nine bookings and another yellow would see him suspended by the Premier League.
(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
As per The FA’s rules, players who receive a total of 10 yellow cards in their side’s first 32 Premier League matches receive a two-match suspension. Fortunately for Newcastle, Joelinton’s injury may keep him out of a number of those games, alleviating any short-term concerns. However, Dan Burn also finds himself close to a suspension, with seven yellow cards from 25 games. Another three would see him suspended if they arrive before game 32.
As for the rest of Newcastle’s squad, Fabian Schar and Sandro Tonali find themselves on five bookings, Bruno Guimaraes has four, while Lewis Hall has three. Anthony Gordon, Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy all have two bookings. The deadline for 10 bookings will be Newcastle’s clash with Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on April 16.
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