Aston Villa will be rubbing their hands together after update on Newcastle star
Aston Villa will be rubbing their hands together after Newcastle manager Eddie Howe gave his latest update on Joelinton.
The Brazilian midfielder missed the 4-0 victory over Ipswich and is a doubt for the clash with the Villans on Boxing Day (26 December).
Unai Emery's side are three points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest heading into the contest after winning three of their last five games including a win over Manchester City on Saturday (21 December).
The Magpies boss' latest update will encourage Villa supporters, as he said: "We will have a look at him today.
"He had various facial injuries after the last home game against Brentford, in which he came off. He had a couple of stiches around his ear, so we will see how he is today."
Joelinton would be a big miss against Aston Villa
The Brazilian would be a big miss for the Geordies if he misses the clash with the Midlands club.
His transformation from an underperforming striker to a quality midfielder has been nothing short of sensational.
This season in the Premier League, he has recorded an 84.5 per cent passing accuracy, averaged a total of 3.19 touches in the opposition box per 90 and created an expected goals-per-90 total of 0.15, which ranks in the top 20 per cent for his position. [Fotmob]
He boasts an aerial duel win percentage of 60.8 and has recorded an average of 5.71 recoveries per 90 minutes.
In comparison to Youri Tielemans, the numbers are impressive, the Belgian averages 0.80 touches in the opposition box, has an aerial duel win rate of 42.1 per cent and completes an average of 4.23 recoveries per 90 although he does boast a better pass accuracy and a much higher xG total created.
It would be a huge boost for the Villans if the Magpies man is ruled out of the contest and would allow them to impose themselves in midfield.
In other Aston Villa news, Louie Barry could give Villa another laugh over local rivals Birmingham before he is recalled from his loan.