Bruno Guimaraes has handed Eddie Howe a problem ahead of Newcastle United’s Champions League game against Athletic Club.
The 27-year-old was part of the Newcastle United squad that lost to West Ham on Sunday, and will be eager to bounce back. Ahead of facing Athletic Club, Bruno Guimaraes issued an apology to supporters for their performance, before calling on the Toon Army to get behind the team on Wednesday night.
However, it is suddenly a team that may not include the Brazil international.
That is because Bruno missed training on Tuesday due to illness and is a doubt for the Champions League clash with Athletic Club.
It is an issue for Eddie Howe, but the solution is clear.
Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes react after Newcastle United's draw with Leeds at Elland Road.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes should be rested in the Champions League
As important as Bruno Guimaraes is for Newcastle United, Howe should take the opportunity to give his captain a rest.
Given the fact he wants to play every minute of every game, it is a decision that Bruno will not like, but it is one that he must appreciate.
With the volume of games Newcastle United are involved in, Howe has to take this chance to leave his star midfielder out. While no one can do what Bruno does, the Magpies have enough options that they can cope without him for one game.
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Sunday’s upcoming Premier League clash away to Brentford is arguably more important for Newcastle, so Howe’s priority should be ensuring that Bruno is fit and available for that game.
That means leaving him out of the starting XI on Wednesday night no matter how desperate Bruno is to start.
Sandro Tonali proves Newcastle United can cope without a superstar
This is the second Champions League game in a row that Newcastle United’s midfield has been struck down by illness.
24 hours before facing Benfica at St James’ Park, news broke that Sandro Tonali was ill and at risk of missing the game.
He was deemed fit enough to sit on the bench, but did not play a single minute. In his absence, Lewis Miley had an excellent game as Newcastle won 3-0.
It was an impressive victory, made all the more impressive by winning without Tonali.
Newcastle United have enough quality that they can cope without one of their superstars. Tonali’s absence against Benfica proved that, which is why there should be no concerns if Bruno misses Athletic Club.