JOELINTON is facing a race against time to be involved in Newcastle United’s three-game tour of the United States after a visa issue prevented him from boarding today’s flight across the Atlantic.

The Brazilian was not involved at Ibrox last night as the Magpies continued their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 win over Rangers.

He will also be absent when Eddie Howe and his players fly to the US today ahead of their involvement in the Premier League Summer Series, which will see them play matches against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brighton.

Joelinton has been unable to secure a visa for the US, and was forced to travel to London yesterday in an attempt to rectify the issue.

At this stage, he has still not been given the green light to travel to the States, and while Howe is hoping he will be able to link up with the squad before the weekend, that is not yet guaranteed.

The Newcastle boss said: “There was a late complication. Jo knew he had to go to London (yesterday) because there were complications with the visa.

“We hope he can join us in America, although he probably won’t come with us initially. Hopefully, he can be over within a couple of days.”