Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says Joelinton's drink-driving charge came as a "shock" and he is unsure about picking him against Fulham on Sunday.

The Magpies, third in the Premier League, face Fulham at St James' Park.

"I'll make a decision closer to the game in consultation with him, so I'm not 100% sure," said Howe.

Joelinton has played 21 games for the Magpies this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

The Brazilian's latest goal came with his side's second goal in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City on Tuesday.

He was charged after police stopped a car in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle at 01:20 GMT on Thursday.

"It came very much as a shock. It's a difficult situation," said Howe.

"Joe is very remorseful; he was very upset [on Thursday]. I think he knows the seriousness of the situation.

"Obviously, I can't go in to too much detail out of respect for the case, but I think he understands his responsibilities.

"We're now in a position where we're supporting him, and we also understand as a football club the seriousness of the situation."