Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says it is unlikely that midfielder Joelinton will play again this season because of a knee injury.

With four games left to play, his absence could be a huge blow for Newcastle in their pursuit of Champions League football.

The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League table but just two points separate them from Nottingham Forest in sixth.

Joelinton, 28, missed last week's 3-0 win over Ipswich and Howe said he has returned home to Brazil.

"With Joe you never rule him out. He's so motivated to try and come back," Howe said.

"We sought specialist opinion, and the opinion was it was nothing serious but he needed a period of rest so he's now in Brazil.

"We'll wait and see if we can get him back before the end of the season but the likelihood is probably not."

Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock are among the players in contention to replace Joelinton in midfield for their trip to Brighton on Saturday.