Newcastle midfielder Joelinton could have played his last game for the club amid a contract stand-off that would almost certainly see him leave if there is no resolution before the summer.
Mail Sport understands the Brazilian will undergo surgery next week on the thigh injury he picked up during the FA Cup win at Sunderland this month, and that will keep him out for the rest of the season.
However, Joelinton’s contract has only 18 months to run – he signed a six-year deal after arriving from Hoffenheim for £40million in 2019 - and his current wage demands are beyond what the club’s hierarchy are willing to pay.