Joelinton 'a doubt' for Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, says Howe | OneFootball

The Magpies head into the cup tie against Mikel Arteta's Gunners, unbeaten in their last nine away matches across all competitions, with a healthy advantage after claiming an impressive 2-0 away win last month, their first victory at the Emirates Stadium since 2010.

Howe, however, revealed that Joelinton, who was withdrawn during the second-half of last weekend's 2-1 home defeat against Fulham, could be sidelined to face the North London outfit whilst addressing Lloyd Kelly's departure to Juventus after the defender completed a loan move to the Serie A side, subject to international clearance, with an obligation to make the transfer permanent in the summer.

Here are some of the boss' main talking points during Tuesday morning's pre-match media briefing at the Newcastle United Media Centre...

On the injury status of Joelinton and Callum Wilson:

“Joey was, after the game, put in a knee brace just as a precaution and is out of that now. We'll assess how he is with this game and I would say he is a doubt but we will give him every chance to be fit.

"Our centre midfield, we have good strength in depth in that position currently. Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley – three quality players who will all bring something different and can step in.

“There is a chance (with Callum). We have another training session to get through so we will see. Let’s get through training before we make a decision.”

On Kelly's departure to Juventus:

"We were very reluctant from our side because Lloyd is a player that had recently signed. We believed in him and his qualities. It was slightly frustrating for him that he hadn't play more in part due to the other players in form around him.

"We're in a world of trying to manage PSR and try to make decisions that benefit us in the long-term and this is one of those decisions. Lloyd leaves with our best wishes. I'm sure he'll do well in Italy and it's an exciting, new challenge for him."

On facing Arsenal in the second leg:

“My message is we are at the halfway point in the tie. Against any opposition, the game is still very much alive. We have to do our part but I think the quality of Arsenal and the team they have, we have to be on our guard.

"We have to approach the game in a really positive and aggressive way, try to be ourselves in every moment and there will be no deviation from that. We are in a good position and need to make the most of every opportunity.”

On creating a special atmosphere at St. James' Park:

“I think (our success) has been a combination of us and the crowd. I think we’ve become a really potent team together and I think that is what we are going to need in this game.

"We are going to need to engage all our supporters in our energy, body language and every power we possess to involve them in the game because we need to make this a formidable environment for our opponent. We need to create positive energy between us and it is our duty to do that.”

On targeting a second Carabao Cup final in the last three seasons:

"Nerves and excitement are closely linked to each other as emotions and you have to try and focus on the positive side much more than the negative.

"I understand the brain can go in different directions but, ultimately, when you look at this game and we're in a cup semi-final, what a great opportunity we've got and that's if it is nil-nil.

"Forget any talk of a lead. What a great opportunity for us at home to attack the game, try and embrace everything in the face and do our best. That's what we're going to try and do."