Eddie Howe Delivers Bruno Guimaraes Injury News Before Newcastle's Pivotal PSG Encounter
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has offered a crucial update on the fitness of captain Bruno Guimaraes ahead of Wednesday's decisive Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian midfielder missed Sunday's disappointing home defeat to Aston Villa due to an ankle injury sustained in last week's 3-0 European victory over PSV Eindhoven.
Guimaraes' Absence Highlights Newcastle's Struggles
Howe revealed that Guimaraes is determined to recover in time for the match, stating, "I still don't think it's a serious injury. He wasn't quite there today. I know he'll do everything he can to be fit for Wednesday. Let's wait and see." The manager acknowledged the significant impact of losing such a key player, noting, "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, so let's hope that's not too long."
Statistics underscore Guimaraes' importance to the team. Since his arrival in January 2022, Newcastle have failed to win any of the nine Premier League games he has missed. Additionally, the Magpies are without a victory in the 11 league matches he has not started since his full debut at Southampton on 10 March that year.
Newcastle's Champions League Stakes and Midfield Concerns
The match holds immense significance for Newcastle, who currently sit seventh in the table, just one place below the reigning champions PSG based only on goals scored. A victory would almost certainly secure their direct passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
However, preparations are hampered not only by doubts over Guimaraes but also by an injury to fellow Brazilian Joelinton, who limped off with a groin problem early in the second half against Aston Villa. Together, these two players form two-thirds of Howe's preferred midfield trio, having both completed the full 90 minutes in Newcastle's last visit to the Parc des Princes in November 2023, a match marred by a controversial late penalty.
Potential Replacements and Team Morale
In light of these absences, players like Jacob Ramsey, Joe Willock, and Anthony Elanga are poised to take on more prominent roles against the French giants. All three were introduced as substitutes in the Villa match, and Howe expressed confidence in their abilities.
"They're all big players for us and desperate to play, and I don't doubt their qualities - all three of them - for a second," Howe remarked. "I've got no doubt in the next group of games, they're going to be really important. They're going to get their opportunity to showcase what they can do and the only thing they can do is every time they play, impress with their attitude and desire and commitment to the team. I thought they did that today when they came on the pitch. I was pleased. I thought they made us better and that's all I can ask."
The Newcastle squad reconvened on Monday morning to recover from the Villa defeat and will travel to Paris on Tuesday ahead of the critical encounter with PSG.
