Joelinton’s injury forces him to withdraw from the Brazil squad, opening the door for Jean Lucas to receive his first senior call-up. The Newcastle midfielder’s groin injury adds to Newcastle’s injury woes, with Tonali and Schar also sidelined. Alex Sandro is also out for Brazil. Jean Lucas will replace Joelinton in the squad.
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been forced to withdraw from the Brazilian national team squad due to an injury sustained during the Magpies' recent Premier League defeat against Liverpool. This unfortunate development has paved the way for Bahia midfielder Jean Lucas to receive his first-ever senior call-up to the Selecao.
Joelinton had been initially selected by Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Bolivia, scheduled for September 5th and 10th, respectively. However, his participation was cut short after he suffered a groin injury during the second half of Newcastle's dramatic 3-2 loss to Liverpool on Monday. The injury forced him to be substituted, leaving both club and country in a state of concern.
Adding to Newcastle's woes, fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali also exited the game prematurely with a dislocated shoulder. Both players are now expected to be sidelined for several weeks, presenting a significant challenge for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. To further compound Newcastle's injury crisis, Fabian Schar also suffered a concussion during the match, leaving the team with a depleted squad ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) moved swiftly to address Joelinton's withdrawal, announcing on Wednesday that the uncapped 27-year-old Jean Lucas would be his replacement in the squad. This call-up marks a significant milestone in Lucas's career, providing him with an opportunity to showcase his talents on the international stage.
O técnico Carlo Ancelotti convocou nesta quarta-feira (27) o jogador Jean Lucas, do Bahia, para os jogos do Brasil contra Chile e Bolívia, os dois últimos compromissos da equipe nas eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2026.
Jean Lucas vai ocupar o lugar de Joelinton, do Newcastle,… pic.twitter.com/aicSEEUnQN
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) August 27, 2025
In addition to Joelinton's absence, Flamengo left-back Alex Sandro has also been released from the Brazil squad due to an injury. As of now, no replacement has been named for the experienced player, who has previously represented Juventus and Porto.
Joelinton's injury is a significant setback for Newcastle, who are already in the market for a new striker. Their attacking options will be further limited by the suspension of Anthony Gordon when they face Leeds United on Saturday. The Magpies will need to find creative solutions to overcome these challenges and maintain their competitive edge.
The absence of Joelinton from the Brazil squad is undoubtedly a disappointment for the player and the national team. However, it presents an opportunity for Jean Lucas to step up and prove his worth. The young midfielder will be eager to impress coach Ancelotti and secure a permanent place in the Selecao.
As Brazil prepares for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the focus will be on ensuring that the team is well-prepared and capable of securing positive results. The coaching staff will need to assess the fitness of the remaining players and devise a strategy that maximizes their strengths. The matches against Chile and Bolivia are crucial for Brazil as they aim to maintain their strong position in the qualifying campaign.
The situation surrounding Joelinton's injury serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. Injuries can occur at any time, and teams must be prepared to adapt and overcome such setbacks. Newcastle will need to rely on their squad depth and resilience to navigate their current injury crisis. The players who are called upon to fill the void left by the injured stars will have a chance to demonstrate their ability and contribute to the team's success.
Ultimately, the focus will be on the players who are available and ready to compete. Brazil will be determined to put on a strong performance in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, while Newcastle will be eager to bounce back from their defeat against Liverpool. The challenges presented by injuries and suspensions will test the resolve of both teams, but they will be determined to emerge stronger and more united.