Joelinton praises Nick Woltemade's adaptability as Newcastle prepares for Champions League clash with Barcelona Newcastle United’s Joelinton has commended the recent shift in Nick Woltemade’s role within the team, highlighting the German’s potential as the Magpies gear up for their Champions League encounter with Barcelona. The Brazilian forward, who himself transitioned from striker to midfielder early in his career, has expressed confidence in Woltemade’s ability to thrive in the central midfield position. Woltemade, who joined Newcastle from Stuttgart in a high-profile summer transfer, has faced challenges in establishing consistency since his arrival. Initially deployed as a central striker, the 25-year-old has since been experimented with in midfield, with mixed results. Despite fluctuating starts, Joelinton has acknowledged Woltemade’s work ethic and commitment to the team. “I think he has proved every game he has played that he is prepared to give everything to the team wherever he plays,” Joelinton said. “It’s a great thing to see his commitment, but hopefully he can continue to improve. If he keeps playing well, it can only be a great thing for us.” The match against Barcelona carries significant weight for both teams, with Newcastle looking to build on recent momentum. Joelinton, who has previously visited Barcelona for medical treatments, expressed excitement about the trip as a player rather than a patient. He emphasized the team’s confidence ahead of the clash, citing recent performances against top-tier opponents as evidence of their growing belief. “I hope we can go to the Nou Camp and perform well,” he added. “We have confidence and the belief to go through. The last few games we have been playing much better and picked up points against Chelsea and Man United.#champions_league #barcelona #newcastle_united #nick_woltemade #joelinton
Joelinton lifts lid on 'extra special' Newcastle United sight and delivers take on Nick Woltemade Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton expressed confidence ahead of the club’s upcoming Champions League clash against Barcelona, calling the match an “extra special” occasion. The Brazilian international, who has previously traveled to Catalonia for medical treatments, is eager to make the most of his trip this time, as the Magpies aim to advance to the last eight of the competition for the first time in their history. A victory would secure a £10m prize, pushing their total European earnings past £60m for the season. Joelinton reflected on his past visits to Barcelona, noting that he had previously traveled there for injury-related treatments, including a groin issue in January. However, this time, he is focused on playing a key role in the match. “I have been to Barcelona a few times in the last few seasons for injections, but I am happy to be there to play this time!” he said. The player emphasized the team’s growing confidence, citing recent wins over Manchester United and Chelsea as evidence of their progress. “We have confidence and the belief to go through. The last few games we have been playing much better and picked up points against Chelsea and Man United.” The match is expected to draw a massive crowd, with over 10,000 Newcastle fans already in Barcelona, including 7,000 without tickets. Joelinton praised the support, calling it “incredible” and highlighting its importance for the team. “To see 10,000 Geordies in Barcelona is incredible. They will be very important for us. I hope we can deliver a good performance for them.” He also expressed hope that the trip would be enjoyable for both the fans and the players, stating, “If we give our best we can give them a result.#champions_league #barcelona #newcastle_united #nick_woltemade #joelinton
Newcastle United bolster their attacking options ahead of the Champions League clash against Barcelona as key forward Nick Woltemade returns to the squad, while five players are ruled out for the first leg of the Round of 16 tie. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed Woltemade’s recovery from a viral illness that had kept him sidelined since his Premier League match against Manchester United. The German striker, who had lost weight during his illness, trained individually and is expected to be fit for both the upcoming FA Cup encounter against Manchester City and the Champions League match at St James’ Park on March 10. Howe praised Woltemade’s progress, stating, “He trained yesterday and felt good, so that’s positive.” The forward’s availability is a significant boost for Newcastle, as his physicality and goal-scoring ability could challenge Barcelona’s defense. Despite the positive update, Howe revealed several absences for the Champions League fixture. Midfielder Lewis Miley, who suffered a knee injury in January, will miss the game and is unlikely to return for several weeks. Right-back Tino Livramento, dealing with hamstring issues since early in the season, has not yet rejoined training and is also expected to sit out. In addition to Miley and Livramento, Newcastle will be without three more players: Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth. The absence of these key contributors will test the team’s depth as they prepare for the high-stakes encounter against Barcelona, a club that dominated their previous visit to Tyneside in the Champions League. The result could heavily influence the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Barcelona aiming to secure an advantage in the tie.#champions_league #barcelona #newcastle_united #nick_woltemade #eddie_howe
Newcastle United's preparations for their crucial midweek clash against Manchester United have been disrupted by a sickness outbreak in the squad, leaving manager Eddie Howe facing a selection crisis. Striker Nick Woltemade is a major doubt for the match due to a lingering illness, complicating efforts to reverse a recent slump in Premier League form. The illness has affected multiple players, with Woltemade missing several days of training and remaining unwell ahead of the game. The German forward, who joined from Stuttgart in a £69 million deal, has not participated in first-team sessions, raising concerns for Howe. While some players have recovered quickly, Woltemade’s condition remains uncertain, with medical staff monitoring his progress. The timing of the outbreak is particularly challenging, as the Magpies seek to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat to Everton. Howe acknowledged the strain of the situation during a press conference, noting that the illness first appeared during the Everton match, where Jacob Ramsey was substituted. Ramsey has since returned to training, but Woltemade’s absence continues to worry the manager. The squad’s depleted state is further compounded by the absence of key players, including captain Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Emile Krafth, and Fabian Schar. Defender Tino Livramento, who had hoped to return, remains doubtful due to the short turnaround from Saturday’s fixture. The manager expressed frustration over the unpredictability of player recoveries, emphasizing the need for patience with Livramento’s rehabilitation. "He’s getting closer, but it has to be at the right time," Howe said, highlighting the delicate balance between urgency and medical caution.#manchester_united #newcastle_united #nick_woltemade #eddie_howe #bruno_guimaraes
