NEWCASTLE United head coach Eddie Howe bemoaned the decision to give Joelinton a red card in their 3-2 friendly defeat to Benfica which means he will miss tomorrow night’s match against Atalanta.

The Brazilian was sent off for a challenge in the final of the Eusebio Cup. Leaving Newcastle down to ten men, they couldn’t hold onto a draw in the game.

The Magpies welcome Italian side Atalanta to St James Park on Friday evening without the midfielder but they will be able to welcome him back for the game against Athletico Bilbao on Saturday.

Howe said: “It’s a difficult one because in pre-season games, you never want to see red cards. It goes against the spirit of the game unless it’s really reckless and dangerous and I don’t think they were from Joelinton. I think they were probably mistimed.

“I was disappointed to see that but it was good for us. It was an exercise to see if we could defend with ten men. For the latter stages of the game, we couldn’t see it out which was disappointing but a good test for us nonetheless.”

Newcastle are also expected to be without fellow midfielder Jonjo Shelvey who suffered a hamstring injury at the Stadio du Luz.