Eddie Howe is sweating over the fitness of Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton ahead of the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. The Gunners travel to St James’ Park on Wednesday night looking to overturn a two-goal deficit and book their place in the final.

Eddie Howe has admitted that Newcastle United's winter transfer window was "not ideal" but has urged his Magpies to battle on with silverware still a big possibility on two fronts. Howe stated that Lloyd Kelly's exit never put Newcastle in a position where they could have made a deadline day swoop but said he was "very reluctant" to lose a player he only signed in June.

The Magpies allowed defender Lloyd Kelly to leave St James’ Park for Juventus on deadline day in a move which could eventually bring in around £20million on top of the £11m they banked in return for Miguel Almiron’s departure for Atlanta United last week.