Newcastle brace for prospect of losing Joelinton for rest of season if op needed

Newcastle midfielder Joelinton suffered a thigh injury during the FA Cup third-round victory at Sunderland. Pic: Owen Humphries/PA

Newcastle are bracing themselves for the prospect of losing key midfielder Joelinton for the remainder of the season if he needs surgery.

The 27-year-old Brazil international damaged a tendon in his thigh during the 3-0 FA Cup third-round victory at Sunderland on January 6 and medics have since been working to assess the extent of the problem.