This Newcastle forward must step up and earn his money with Wilson out

Newcastle United were handed a major blow yesterday as Steve Bruce confirmed the club would be without Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schar, and Callum Wilson for roughly eight weeks. While Manquillo and Schar have serviceable options behind them, Newcastle don’t have a clear-cut backup for Wilson.

While some supporters are hoping to see Dwight Gayle get a chance, this situation could be the right opportunity for Joelinton to finally step up and deliver.

Whether it’s the lack of production since arriving from Hoffenheim or the carelessness of his COVID-19 protocol-breaking haircut recently, Joelinton has not been a fan favorite on Tyneside. Now, with the club’s beloved star striker out until potentially April, Big Joe could get the chance to be “the guy” up top again.

Despite his lofty price tag, it’s unfair to expect similar production from Joelinton that the club was getting from Wilson. But, the Brazilian could win over some fans if he’s able to score some goals and help keep the Magpies afloat until Wilson gets back.

Joelinton has the closest skillset to Wilson of the three remaining strikers. Gayle doesn’t hold the ball up well but uses pace to get in behind. Andy Carroll can definitely win the ball and shield off defenders, but we all know he isn’t making speedy runs behind the backline.

While Joelinton isn’t as fast as Gayle or as strong as Carroll, he’s able to hold up play adequately on a good day and has enough speed to keep the defense honest. He can also function if the ball takes him out wide and has the vision to have registered two assists in the Premier League this season. He also has the most appearances of the three healthy strikers remaining this season.

Starting with the match against Chelsea on Monday, one of the strikers needs to grab the opportunity to replace Wilson with both hands and that player could be Joelinton.