It is unclear whether or not Bruno Guimaraes will be available for Newcastle United’s game against Crystal Palace.
The Magpies travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday, and there is a chance they could be without their captain.
Bruno Guimaraes was forced off during Newcastle’s defeat to West Ham on Monday night, with the 27-year-old suffering a glute problem. Eddie Howe said Bruno’s injury was a concern, but was unsure about the severity.
Meanwhile, Bruno said he hopes the injury is not serious on his official Instagram account.
Toon fans await an official update, but there was some panic when Bruno was not spotted in Newcastle’s training pictures on Wednesday.
While that does not necessarily mean he is definitely injured, it does raise some concern over his availability ahead of Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
Who Eddie Howe should replace Bruno Guimaraes with against Crystal Palace
But if Bruno is forced to miss his first Newcastle United game through injury since February 2023, it is obvious who should take his place in midfield.
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Sandro Tonali is the player who Eddie Howe should draft in to the starting XI, having started the Magpies’ previous three games on the bench.
The £55million man has lost his place in the starting lineup as of late, but this potential Bruno injury could hand him an opportunity that he so desperately needs.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and West Ham United FC at St James' Park on November ...
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali proved he can play as a six during the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea. He was outstanding that night, dictating the game in front of the defence and thriving under the added responsibility. In fact, it was Tonali’s best ever game for Newcastle United.
Since then, there have actually been calls for Howe to start Tonali there on a regular basis. However, the Newcastle United manager has reverted back to using Bruno as his deepest midfielder.
But that might change on Saturday, and it could give Tonali the chance to start establishing himself as a starter for the Magpies.
What Eddie Howe has said about Sandro Tonali playing as a ‘six’
Howe is well aware that Tonali can play as a ‘six’.
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Arsenal, he told the media that Tonali’s versatility in midfield was actually a big reason why they brought him to St James’ Park.
“Sandro can definitely play both positions, whether it be higher or lower and that’s why we recruited him in a way because he had that versatility,” Howe said.
“We didn’t want to sign one player for one position.”
Who else could play in midfield for Newcastle against Crystal Palace
Another alternative is Lewis Miley, who is yet to start a game this season.
He was not even on the bench on Monday night, with Miley not selected for tactical reasons. That shows how hard it will be for him to feature this season.
But a possible Bruno absence could also open the door for the 18-year-old, as he is also capable of operating as a ‘number six’.
That is where England officials think Miley will eventually play, and it is an option that Howe will consider if he is unable to start his captain at Selhurst Park.
However, Sandro Tonali is the standout alternative to Bruno Guimaraes. He is the player who Eddie Howe should pick if the Brazilian is ruled out.
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