Joelinton is a major doubt for Newcastle United's crunch Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal at St James' Park.

The midfield enforcer retired early in the 2-1 loss to Fulham after complaining about a knee issue on his right leg. Eddie Howe then withdrew the star immediately and he has since been assessed at the training ground, but the alarm bells were ringing for the South American when he was pictured wearing a knee brace.

Giving an update on Joelinton, Howe said at his Press conference today: "Joey after the game was put in a knee brace just as a precaution. He’s out of that now. We’ll assess how he is for this game.

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"I’d say he is a doubt but we’ll give him every minute we can to try and make him fit. We have good strength in depth in that position currently. Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley - all three quality players who bring something slightly different - can all step in.

"Obviously, Joelinton is unique, and that’s why we’ll give him every chance to be fit."

Joelinton's injury puts Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff and ex-Arsenal man Joe Willock on standby. It would be a huge call to thrust teenager Miley into the fray for such a vital game but Newcastle boss Howe said: "Lewis, I think, is in a great place. He’s been in that place for a while, he’s trained regularly and built that momentum up from the training that we deliver.

"His performances have been really good, really happy with him. We are very happy also with Sean, how he is training behind the scenes, and Joe Willock has got outstanding attributes. He played previously against Arsenal and did really well."

As well as the midfield conundrum, Joelinton's injury also creates something of a headache in attack, where he is seen as an alternative option if Howe needs to change things around. The Brazilian has played both on the left and right flanks in recent weeks, with Harvey Barnes injured and Miguel Almiron having left the club.

Howe, however, hopes to welcome back Callum Wilson for the Arsenal game. The experienced striker hasn't played for Newcastle since December 7 when he made a cameo against Brentford.