Newcastle United faces a setback with a new injury concern leading up to their upcoming match against title-contending Manchester City. The issue arose when Joelinton had to be substituted during the 3-0 victory over Sunderland in the FA Cup third round at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Joelinton played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s first goal, providing a cross that led to Sunderland’s Dan Ballard turning the ball into the net. Alexander Isak added two goals in the second half, securing a comfortable win for The Magpies.

Joelinton sustained a thigh injury in the first half and was replaced shortly after Newcastle’s second goal. Reflecting on the match, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe acknowledged Joelinton’s injury as the “only negative” on an otherwise positive day as the team advanced to the FA Cup fourth round.

Regarding Joelinton’s injury, Howe commented, “One negative is the injury to Joelinton. He felt his thigh switching play. We don’t know what that looks like yet.” This injury leaves Joelinton doubtful for Newcastle’s upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City at St James’ Park next Saturday, scheduled for a 5:30 pm kick-off.

On a positive note for Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne has returned to the squad. De Bruyne, who had been sidelined since sustaining an injury against Burnley on the season’s opening day, made a comeback during City’s FA Cup victory over Huddersfield Town. He was introduced in the 57th minute, contributing with an assist in their 5-0 triumph. The 32-year-old Belgian shared his excitement on social media with a post-game picture captioned: “Guess who’s back?”