Bruno Guimaraes is a doubt for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash at home to Aston Villa.
The Magpies’ skipper was forced off with an ankle injury during Wednesday’s 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
As of Friday, Eddie Howe wasn’t aware of the extent of the injury but refused to rule the midfielder out against Villa.
“Yeah, I think with Bruno, we hope it’s not serious,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference. “The extent of the injury is still unknown, but he was reasonably positive after the game.
“Speaking to him again, he’s the guy that will never rule anything out, so we’re going to give him every chance for this weekend. Let’s wait and see.”
Newcastle have not won any of their eight matches that Guimaraes has missed since joining from Lyon for £35million in January 2022.
“I wondered how long it would be before that one came up,” Howe laughed. “In terms of working out how to play without him, I think he is just a very, very good player. A very, very talented footballer. A very creative footballer.
“Regardless of where he plays, he has the ability to change games. Of course, if we’re without him in any game, you have to come up with a solution.
“You have to come up with an alternative way of either selecting your team or a way of playing. We’re trying to figure out all avenues if he isn’t available, but we hope he can make it.”
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up versus Aston Villa:
Comes into the game on the back of consecutive clean sheets against Wolverhampton Wanderers and PSV Eindhoven.
1. GK: Nick Pope
Comes into the game on the back of consecutive clean sheets against Wolverhampton Wanderers and PSV Eindhoven. | Getty Images
Could make his third start in seven days, or Howe could opt to rest the 35-year-old with Wednesday’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain in mind.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Could make his third start in seven days, or Howe could opt to rest the 35-year-old with Wednesday’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain in mind. | Getty Images
A start against Aston Villa would be his 30th in a row for Newcastle.
3. CB: Malick Thiaw
A start against Aston Villa would be his 30th in a row for Newcastle. | Getty Images
Is looking back to his best after being thrown back into the team after five weeks out with a back injury.
4. CB: Sven Botman
Is looking back to his best after being thrown back into the team after five weeks out
with a back injury. | Getty Images