Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce said on Monday that he would meet club owner Mike Ashley and discuss the possibility of signing reinforcements in the January transfer window as the club's injury woes show no sign of abating.
A depleted Newcastle side dug deep to come away from Wolverhampton Wanderers with a point over the Premier League weekend but they lost defender Paul Dummett and striker Dwight Gayle to injuries within the first 30 minutes.
Bruce said it was the worst injury crisis he had seen in 40 years with as many as 13 players sidelined -- the highest among all Premier League clubs -- and the 59-year-old said he is pinning his hopes on Joelinton to lead the line.
"Paul Dummett and Dwight Gayle will have scans today so they'll not be involved tomorrow," Bruce told reporters ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup third round replay against Rochdale.
"Allan Saint-Maximin has trained for the last two days but tomorrow might be a bit early. The same goes for (Jonjo) Shelvey... I am hoping (Joelinton) declares himself fit. We are hoping this could be the game for him.
"I'm meeting up with the owner in the next couple of days, that's planned... Most of the injuries are minor. I'm not one for bringing them in for the sake of it. He's been very supportive of me, I'd expect that."
Joelinton, who signed for the club in the close season for a club record deal, has scored only one goal in 23 games and is shaking off a groin injury.
Despite a thin squad to choose from, Bruce said he is eyeing a run in the FA Cup with another League One (third tier) side, Oxford United, awaiting them in the fourth round.
"I've said it since I walked through the door, we'll play as strong as we possibly can. We've got a wonderful chance," Bruce added.
"For too many years we haven't had any cup run at all. It doesn't do any harm. We've got two League One teams to be in the fifth round, so let's go for it."