Bruno Guimaraes Newcastle United injury update after fresh blow confirmed - positive update ahead of PSG
Newcastle United injuries: Eddie Howe is sweating on the fitness of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton ahead of Wednesday’s match at PSG.
Newcastle United’s unwanted record without Bruno Guimaraes continued against Aston Villa on Sunday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park.
It’s now 11 Premier League games that Guimaraes hasn’t started since his full debut that Newcastle have failed to win. The Brazilian missed Sunday’s match after picking up an ankle injury against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
The Newcastle captain remains a doubt for Wednesday’s final Champions League group game at Paris Saint-Germain. The Magpies could also be without Joelinton after the midfielder was forced off against Aston Villa with a groin problem.
Eddie Howe issues Bruno Guimaraes injury update
Guimaraes watched on from the stands as Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins scored in either half to secure Villa’s first win at St James’ Park since 2005.
Despite Guimaraes missing the match, Howe wouldn’t rule out a potential return for the 28-year-old on Wednesday night.
“I still don't think it's a serious injury,” Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said explaining Guimaraes’ absence. “He wasn't quite there today. I know he'll do everything he can to be fit for Wednesday. Let's wait and see.
“He's desperate to play as soon as possible, but he obviously has to be right.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
“I thought he was a big miss [against Aston Villa]. In saying that, I thought Lewy Miley and Sandro [Tonali] both played well. I thought they had good games today, so it's not necessarily a slight on them.
“I thought we missed his forward thinking. He always wants to pass forward. He's always looking for a creative pass. I thought you could see we missed that today.
“He always wants the ball. He's always demanding the ball from his teammates. They are massive qualities and his never-say-die spirit and attitude. I think you lose a lot when a player like that isn't available. But we can't rely on one player.
“We do have to find a way of winning without him. Let's hope that's not for too long.”
While Newcastle have not won a game without Guimaraes in the Premier League, they did pick up a 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win at Arsenal without the Brazilian last season.
NUFC ‘big’ injury blow ahead of PSG
On Sunday, Newcastle welcomed back Dan Burn and William Osula from extended spells out injured. Jacob Murphy, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles remained out.
Now Guimaraes and Joelinton are fresh worries ahead of an important week of away matches against PSG in the Champions League and Liverpool in the Premier League.
“It looks like a groin problem,” Howe said on Joelinton. “Yes, a big blow for us to lose him at any stage .We hope it's not too serious.
“With him and Bruno missing, that's sort of a double blow for us. But I thought Jacob Ramsey came on and did really well today. I was really pleased with his contribution.
“Anthony Elanga came on and did well, so there were bright spots there for us from the bench.”
Newcastle head to PSG knowing a win would almost certainly secure a top-eight finish and progress straight through to the last-16. The Magpies are already guaranteed at least a knockout round play-off place following their win over PSV last week.