Newcastle United are already two games away from double Joelinton nightmare scenario

Newcastle United news as Eddie Howe faces problematic double suspension blow ahead of key run

Even for a man who was so used to working without large parts of his squad last season, Eddie Howe will not be keen to lose anymore of his squad in the upcoming weeks. Despite not having the commitment of European football to contend with, Newcastle United's fixture list is about to ramp up.

After a relatively gentle start to the season - headlined by a 2-1 win over Tottenham and a battling opening day display against Southampton - things get tougher for the Magpies. On the horizon are the visit of Manchester City, Brighton, and Arsenal, with Chelsea also to face in just over one month.

It poses a much bigger question of Howe's players, who will be boosted by their impressive three wins from four games heading into the trip to Fulham on Saturday. Carabao Cup action as well as continued injury troubles across the field, mean that soon there will be added pressure on the squad.

One thing Howe won't want to do is lose yet more of his options. However, not even five games in and he is already at serious risk of being without two of his go-to stars. In Dan Burn he has a player returning to form and importance following a tough 2023/24 campaign at St James' Park. The Geordie defender has played every minute to date this season but has also picked up three yellow cards in the Premier League as well.

Two of those came late on in the opening two fixtures but that does not make a fundamental difference. His booking at Molineux last weekend means that he is now walking a tightrope. At five yellow cards (before the 19th match of the season), Burn will be suspended for one match. Going at his current rate this will see him miss either the journey to Everton or welcoming of Brighton.

Sven Botman's injury, as well as Jamaal Lascelles being out, has left Howe with vert few alternatives. Should he lose Burn as well then it would create an even tougher decision with Lloyd Kelly or Emile Krafth the likely replacements but neither is ideal.

As for Joelinton, his problem is almost the opposite. As Newcastle welcome back and reintegrate Sandro Tonali into the side, there is plenty of choice. Bruno Guimaraes understandably plays whenever he is available, whilst Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are also there to provide competition.

Joelinton, who is now already halfway to matching his yellow card tally from last season despite playing 16 matches less, is a bit of a booking fiend. He has managed 39 yellow cards in his five-and-a-bit year spell at Newcastle, getting at least five in all but one of his full seasons in Europe as a player.

The more worrying aspect for Howe with Joelinton is that all of his punishments have come in the last three consecutive games. There may well be cover in the centre of the park but the player will not be keen to lose out on a starting spot, even for one game. Fortunately for the rest of the side there are only five members of the squad to have even one yellow card so far. Burn and Joelinton are the only players with more than one too, which offers room for leeway in the coming weeks.

Only four teams currently have more yellows than the 13 amassed by Newcastle so far. The five yellow card suspension cut off - rising to 10 - comes into play once 19 league games have been played.

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