Key Newcastle United star suspended for Arsenal clash

Newcastle United’s Joelinton picked up a two-game ban for 10 yellows, ruling him out of their match away to Arsenal.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is tackled by Joelinton of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on September 28, 2025. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

In picking up a yellow card against Crystal Palace on 12 April, Newcastle United’s Joelinton hit the threshold of 10 in the Premier League and earned himself a two-match suspension.

Newcastle’s last league game was against Bournemouth which saw Joelinton serve the first game of his suspension. Their next is against Arsenal.

Eddie Howe will presumably consider that a blow to his side’s chances of results at the Emirates, as Joelinton has been a regular starter this season. 31 of his 40 appearances have been in the starting lineup in 2025/26, and he’s started 12 of the 13 Arsenal games he’s been fit to play over his career.

Notably, Arsenal have won both of the Premier League matches at the Emirates Stadium that Joelinton has missed through injury.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE: Joelinton of Newcastle United and Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal battle for the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at The Singapore National Stadium on July 27, 2025. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) — Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

Believe it or not, Joelinton didn’t seem at particular risk of a yellow-card suspension in the first half of the season.

The Brazilian only picked up three Premier League bookings before his final game in 2025, successfully avoiding a one-match ban for five yellow cards in the first 19 games of the season.

But with seven yellows in his subsequent 11 games, he’s raced up the charts to become one of just three players in double figures for bookings this season.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Joelinton of Newcastle United FC reacts as the teams walk out onto the pitch during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2025. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) — Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Newcastle will also be without Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar against Arsenal, but there’s optimism Bruno Guimaraes will be back from his recent illness by then.

There is also a major doubt over the fitness of Anthony Gordon, who has a hip problem and also missed the game against Bournemouth.

Newcastle have lost their last four matches, including the 7-2 thrashing by Barcelona. In the league, they have lost their last three games 2-1.

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