Blow for Howe: Keith Downie now drops two-word Newcastle injury news 24 hours before Everton

Keith Downie has now dropped a Newcastle United injury blow before they face Everton away from home in the Premier League on Thursday night.

After narrowly and perhaps undeservedly losing 1-0 away at Chelsea last time out, which ended an eight-game unbeaten run for Eddie Howe and his side, this match against the struggling Toffees has now become a big one.

Winning it would not only help them pull away from the Goodison Park faithful, but would also send them a whopping 12 points clear of the dreaded relegation zone, and surely safe for another season in the top flight.

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports journalist and North East correspondent Downie has shared that although Joe Willock is ‘back’ for the Tyneside outfit, both Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey are now ‘very doubtful’ for the clash.

It had originally been ‘hoped‘ that Joelinton would return against the Merseyside club, but it now looks like the Brazilian and Shelvey could well miss out.

It will certainly be a blow if the Magpies are unable to field either Joelinton or Shelvey for the clash, given the pair have made up two thirds of the first-choice midfield since Howe’s arrival.

The former especially has enjoyed a change of fortune at St. James’ Park, currently ranking as their sixth-best player in the top flight so far this season, while he is also ranking highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles, shots and dribbles per game (WhoScored).

Shelvey has not missed a match under Howe aside from injury, and has even captained the side on a few occasions, and so the former AFC Bournemouth manager will not want to be without him as well in the centre of midfield.

In other news, find out what big NUFC injury boost has now emerged here!

Source