In a significant development for Newcastle United's European campaign, Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has travelled with the squad to Paris for their crucial Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain.
Injury Concerns and Late Fitness Test
Daily Mail Sport understands that the influential captain, who missed Sunday's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa with an ankle injury, was part of the Newcastle contingent that flew to the French capital on Tuesday afternoon. However, manager Eddie Howe will make a final decision on Guimaraes' involvement following a late fitness test before the match.
Boost for Newcastle's European Hopes
The Brazilian international sustained the ankle injury during last Wednesday's 3-0 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven, though Howe indicated over the weekend that the problem was not believed to be serious. Guimaraes' presence on the flight represents a substantial boost for the Magpies, who have struggled in his absence - failing to win a Premier League match without their captain for four years.
Newcastle face a critical European encounter that could determine their progression in the competition. The Magpies require a victory against PSG to secure a top-eight finish in their group, which would guarantee direct qualification for the last 16 and avoid a potentially tricky two-legged playoff round.
Howe and his coaching staff will give Guimaraes every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the match, with hopes high that the Brazilian midfielder could return to the starting lineup for what represents one of Newcastle's most important fixtures of the season.
