Joelinton set to miss the rest of the season for Newcastle in major blow to their top-five fight

Newcastle are set to be without Joelinton during their final push for Champions League football, Mail Sport can reveal.

The midfielder was sent for a scan at the weekend after feeling pain in his knee during training on Friday.

We understand the problem will likely be enough to rule him out of the remaining four matches of the campaign.

That is a blow for Eddie Howe, whose side are currently third in the Premier League table with a trip to Brighton on Sunday followed by the potentially decisive visit of fifth-placed Chelsea to St James’ Park.

Joelinton has proven to be Newcastle’s man for the big occasion – he was immense in the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool – but he has been managing a knee complaint for much of the season.

The Brazilian’s loss means Joe Willock is likely to deputise, as he did during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ipswich.

Lewis Miley could also see more game time during the run-in.

However, the issue is not thought to be too serious and it is thought the player himself does not want to concede that his season is over, even though the medical advice is to miss the remaining games.