Alan Shearer believes Joelinton's return to the Newcastle United squad is a 'big plus' for head coach Matthias Jaissle, as the vice-captain is set to be involved in Monday's trip to face Coventry City. However, Newcastle's record goalscorer would be 'very, very surprised' to see the Brazilian international midfielder thrown straight back into the starting XI.
Injury layoff and squad return
Since Jaissle confirmed Dan Burn as United's new captain and Joelinton as the club's new vice-captain, both players have missed the entirety of the season through injury. Joelinton was spotted in open training last week and has stepped up his recovery to be back involved in the squad ahead of their journey to the Coventry Building Society Arena on Monday evening.
Newcastle signed eight players over the summer aged 24 and under, leaving Jaissle with a young squad this season. Given Joelinton has just turned 30, he is now one of the elder statesmen in the squad.
Shearer's verdict
Shearer feels that experience will be key but does not expect Jaissle to rush Joelinton back into the squad, given he has the likes of Nico Gonzalez, Lewis Miley and Sean Steur to call on in midfield.
"I think it would be a big ask to chuck Dan Burn and Joelinton straight back into the fold against Coventry," Shearer told Betfair. "Having not played football for so long, I'd be very, very surprised if they were to start."
"They are great, great reinforcements to have back. Joelinton's had injury problems clearly for a while, but I think two experienced heads, two lads who know what the Premier League's about with so many youngsters in the team, I think to have them back in the squad would be a big plus for Newcastle."
Midfield fit
Shearer added: "I am really interested to see how Joelinton gets on without Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães and how he will fit into our midfield now. We know what he's like on his best day. He's very, very tough to play against. He's a combative midfielder. But he'll add great experience into the midfield."
