Newcastle United injury latest as captain faces race to be fit to face Liverpool
Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes at Parc des Princes
Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes at Parc des Princes
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The build-up to Newcastle United's critical Champions League game against Paris St-Germain on Wednesday night was dominated by the fitness of Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian star had limped off seven days earlier against PSV Eindhoven at St James' Park after picking up an ankle injury in the first period. It was bad enough to keep him out of the weekend's game against Aston Villa, but Guimaraes remained confident he would be fit for the PSG clash.
Having travelled to France, the Magpies skipper then took part in the training session the night before the game to raise hopes the talismanic midfielder would take his place in Eddie Howe's starting XI.
As it happened, Howe opted to leave Bruno on the bench, deciding after a conversation with the player himself that his ankle still wasn't right and he wouldn't be risked.
Howe said: "We had a conversation. I think he himself thought that it is possibly best for him to not start. We can't risk him if he is not 100% fit."
While Guimaraes was disappointed, he didn't let it show as he encouraged and supported his teammates from the sidelines. The 28-year-old showed his leadership qualities after the game with two special messages on Instagram to his team-mates.
He posted: "Proud of the boys. Never ever comes easy for us. We keep going."
And the Newcastle skipper also reserved special praise for United's goalscorer, with a touching tribute to Willock - including his Samba-style nickname - after he ended his goal drought and tough spell with a vital strike.
"Very happy for you Willockinho. You deserve it, brother," added Guimaraes.
The Newcastle captain wasn't the only one to post encouragement on social media after the game, with defender Malick Thiaw saying: "Great team performance, let's build from that."
Guimaraes now faces a race to be fit for the Premier League trip to Liverpool on Saturday. Newcastle travel to Anfield for an 8pm kick off and Howe will assess his skipper over the next 24 hours to see how he comes through an extra training session. Even if he isn't fit, Howe will no doubt value his leadership skills at the match.
The Magpies manager sprung something of a surprise on Wednesday with his team selection and a change in formation, and must weigh up whether to stick with a similar system at the home of the reigning Premier League champions. Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock both impressed in different roles alongside Sandro Tonali, and would be unlucky to be dropped if Guimaraes does return.
Howe, however, admits he may have to freshen his side up again with the games coming thick and fast. He left Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa and Kieran Trippier out of the starting line-up in Paris and the quartet are all in the frame to return at Anfield.
"We do have a good squad," Howe added. "We made changes today that we needed to make. We might need to make some more for Liverpool because in no time at all we are back at Anfield."
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