If the final four fixtures in Newcastle United’s Premier League campaign seemed tough before, they’ve certainly just got a lot tougher.

Star midfielder Joelinton will likely be absent for the remainder of the campaign due to injury.

Though we thankfully have a number of options who can deputise in the Brazilian’s place, but it’s a big miss that will force Eddie Howe to change his game plan for Sunday’s trip to Brighton.

Joelinton ruled out on medical advice

In an exclusive coming courtesy of The Mail’s Craig Hope, Joelinton is likely to miss the final push for Champions League football on Tyneside.

Joelinton was notably absent during last weekend’s win over Ipswich at St James’ Park, having been sent for a scan over knee pain that occurred during training on Friday.

The injury is understood to be severe enough that Howe and the team are unwilling to risk the Brazilian for the trip to the AMEX, and beyond to games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton.

Hope provides some interesting insight on Joelinton’s mentality, however, saying: “The issue is not thought to be too serious, and it is thought the player himself does not want to concede that the season is over, even though medical advice is to miss the remaining games.”

After his exceptional performance in the Carabao Cup final, as well as other big games against the likes of Man Utd this season, the 28-year-old’s presence will be sorely missed.

Though Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali still provide more than enough quality in midfield, the X-factor and physicality that Joelinton provides is simply irreplaceable.

Who should deputise in Joelinton’s place?

On Saturday afternoon, Joe Willock was given the nod in place of the absent Joelinton against Ipswich, and Hope writes that he is the most likely player to step into the first team.

Sean Longstaff is also a viable option in the midfield who can allow Guimaraes and Tonali to still be as creative as ever.

But Lewis Miley has perhaps been afforded another prime opportunity to showcase his exceptional capabilities, similar to how he performed when Tonali was suspended last season.

Physical battles against the likes of Carlos Baleba, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey await our midfield over the coming weeks, whoever is given the unenviable task of slotting in for Joelinton will have a big task ahead of them.