Newcastle midfielder Joelinton is expected to be out of football action for the rest of the season due to injury.
Meanwhile, there are doubts about his long-term future at the club due to an ongoing contract tussle.
The 27-year-old renowned Brazilian has excelled as a midfielder and has become a key player for Eddie Howe's team at St James' Park. However, his participation was cut short during the Magpies' FA Cup win against Sunderland on January 6.
Manager Eddie Howe initially estimated that the 27-year-old would be out for about six weeks, but subsequent tests showed that the injury was more severe than initially thought.
Joelinton underwent successful surgery this week, but it is unlikely that he will play for the remainder of the season.
Even if his contract agreement is renegotiated and he commits his future to the club, the decision to undergo surgery means that he will be unable to play until at least May.
The Magpies have announced that they anticipate Joelinton returning to the field no earlier than May.
A statement from the club read: "Newcastle United can confirm that Joelinton has successfully undergone surgery on a thigh injury sustained earlier this month.
"The midfielder will now commence a period of rehabilitation overseen by the club's medical team and is expected to return to action in May 2024."
Joelinton only has 18 months left on his contract, so he might be sold before he returns to full fitness.
His future at Newcastle is uncertain due to his high wage demands, and if an agreement cannot be reached, the team may decide to sell him to avoid losing him for free to overseas clubs next January.
The Mirror confirmed that Joelinton's long-term future is in doubt as the former Hoffenheim star's current wage demands are well beyond what Newcastle are willing to pay.
Following Joelinton's injury, a shortlist of potential midfield targets has been compiled and includes Bournemouth's Phillip Billing, who was signed by Howe during his time at Bournemouth.
Losing the midfielder would be a bitter blow for the manager who is said to be determined to keep hold of the Brazilian star.
However, keeping Joelinton might not be feasible, given his demands would see him become the club's highest earner.
Unfortunately, Joelinton's injury adds to Howe's already extensive list of injured players.
The Magpies have been dealing with an injury crisis throughout the season, with several key players like Nick Pope, Javier Manquillo, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, and Matt Target all currently sidelined.
Meanwhile, Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, and Tino Livramento are all being examined and are nearing comebacks.
Despite the injury challenges, Newcastle are getting ready for their upcoming FA Cup fourth-round tie against Fulham on Saturday, January 27.
Meanwhile, there are doubts about his long-term future at the club due to an ongoing contract tussle.
The 27-year-old renowned Brazilian has excelled as a midfielder and has become a key player for Eddie Howe's team at St James' Park. However, his participation was cut short during the Magpies' FA Cup win against Sunderland on January 6.
Manager Eddie Howe initially estimated that the 27-year-old would be out for about six weeks, but subsequent tests showed that the injury was more severe than initially thought.
Joelinton underwent successful surgery this week, but it is unlikely that he will play for the remainder of the season.
Even if his contract agreement is renegotiated and he commits his future to the club, the decision to undergo surgery means that he will be unable to play until at least May.
The Magpies have announced that they anticipate Joelinton returning to the field no earlier than May.
A statement from the club read: "Newcastle United can confirm that Joelinton has successfully undergone surgery on a thigh injury sustained earlier this month.
"The midfielder will now commence a period of rehabilitation overseen by the club's medical team and is expected to return to action in May 2024."
Joelinton only has 18 months left on his contract, so he might be sold before he returns to full fitness.
His future at Newcastle is uncertain due to his high wage demands, and if an agreement cannot be reached, the team may decide to sell him to avoid losing him for free to overseas clubs next January.
The Mirror confirmed that Joelinton's long-term future is in doubt as the former Hoffenheim star's current wage demands are well beyond what Newcastle are willing to pay.
Following Joelinton's injury, a shortlist of potential midfield targets has been compiled and includes Bournemouth's Phillip Billing, who was signed by Howe during his time at Bournemouth.
Losing the midfielder would be a bitter blow for the manager who is said to be determined to keep hold of the Brazilian star.
However, keeping Joelinton might not be feasible, given his demands would see him become the club's highest earner.
Unfortunately, Joelinton's injury adds to Howe's already extensive list of injured players.
The Magpies have been dealing with an injury crisis throughout the season, with several key players like Nick Pope, Javier Manquillo, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, and Matt Target all currently sidelined.
Meanwhile, Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, and Tino Livramento are all being examined and are nearing comebacks.
What's next for Newcastle United?
Despite the injury challenges, Newcastle are getting ready for their upcoming FA Cup fourth-round tie against Fulham on Saturday, January 27.