EDDIE HOWE is hoping to have both Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin available for next weekend’s home game with Brentford.

Joelinton was an unused substitute in this afternoon’s 4-1 win at Fulham, with the Brazilian midfielder having been unable to train properly during the international break because he was still feeling the effects of a knee injury sustained in the draw with Bournemouth.

Saint-Maximin was not in the squad at Craven Cottage as he continues to struggle with a hamstring issue, but Howe is hoping both players will be available when Newcastle host Brentford at St James’ Park next weekend.

The Magpies head coach said: “Joelinton picked up a knee injury against Bournemouth and hadn’t trained.

“He wanted to be involved – that’s the type of character he is – but I wanted to try to protect him. We know how important he is, and he was there if we needed him in an absolute emergency.

“Our hand was forced with him, but hopefully a good week’s training will make the difference with him and he’ll be back next week available for selection.

“Hopefully, Allan will be back next weekend too. It’s always difficult to give a guarantee, but he did train with the team yesterday and trained well.

“For me, it was too early to involve him. We need to make sure that when he comes back, he’s fit enough to do himself and the team justice. Hopefully, with a good training week under his belt, he could be close.”

Howe selected Dan Burn at left-back this afternoon, with Matt Targett left on the bench after he had suffered some illness issues in the last week.

Howe said: “Matt had been ill, so we decided not to risk him. That’s why I said in the press conference yesterday it had been a difficult two weeks for us – not just in terms of injuries, but illness running through the team as well. I’m delighted to come here and win off the back of that.”