Newcastle get Joelinton boost for Qarabag tie as Guimaraes faces layoff
Newcastle face a record 2,529-mile trip to Baku for the Qarabag play-off, four time zones away. Travel fatigue is a concern before Man City away, but history shows big-league sides often avoid defeat.
Newcastle are linked with a summer move for Man City goalkeeper James Trafford, who has struggled for minutes behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and has kept options open about his future.
Teen winger Michael Mills signs his first pro deal with Newcastle, joined by Oliver Goodbrand and Alfie Hutchison. Mills, a rapid left winger from Port Vale’s academy, has starred at U21 and FA Youth Cup level.
Anthony Elanga says Eddie Howe has lifted morale and demands consistency as Newcastle chase momentum before the Qarabag Champions League play-off, citing recent away wins at Tottenham and Aston Villa.
Eddie Howe says Joelinton is back and available for Qarabag, calling the tie ‘hugely important’. Newcastle remain without Bruno Guimaraes, Livramento, Schar, Krafth and Lewis Miley among others.
Bruno Guimaraes has a grade three left thigh injury and will miss around eight weeks. Newcastle and the CBF agreed a conservative rehab split between Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo under Rodrigo Lasmar.
TV details for Qarabag v Newcastle in the Champions League play-off first leg, including channel information and the early kick-off time for Wednesday’s game in Baku.
Column claims about Nick Woltemade being ‘unhappy’ at Newcastle are rubbished, with criticism of BBC Sport for amplifying a non-news opinion piece from Germany about a return to Stuttgart or Bayern.
Joelinton returns to the squad for Qarabag vs Newcastle, but Bruno Guimaraes, Schar, Livramento, Krafth and Lewis Miley are out. Howe vows to play the strongest team in a ‘hugely important’ first leg.
Ex-Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey kissed the Newcastle badge in pre-match banter with Morgan Rogers, later applauded both sets of fans and posted: ‘Next round! Good to return to Villa Park…’
Newcastle and Adidas unveil a 2026 Originals range in navy and burgundy, featuring track jacket, sweatshirt, t-shirt and track pants. Players wore items on the trip to Qarabag, with retail release due soon.
Man City expect Erling Haaland to return against Newcastle, with Savinho back training and Doku close. Gvardiol is out long term, while Kovacic targets a post-March return.
