Newcastle return to Premier League action this weekend, taking on Chelsea tomorrow night in our last league fixture before next Sunday’s Tyne and Wear derby.
Eddie How has been speaking to the media this morning, offering an update on injuries, illness and availability ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Howe admitted that we are unlikely to have anyone back for this game, saying we’ll “pretty much” have the same squad that took on Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Anthony Gordon is back fit and ready to play after illness saw him start on the bench in midweek. But, based on Howe’s update, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth will be missing once again.
However, there is a positive update to share on Bruno’s recovery, as Howe revealed this morning that he will be back with the group on Monday, travel with the team to Barcelona (to support us, not play) and is aiming to be back after the next international break in early April.
Bruno is working “incredibly hard” with physios and doctors to ensure he’s back quickly, with Howe hopeful that he’ll return for our trip to Crystal Palace on April 11th.
Howe on Bruno Guimaraes
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> _“He is back on Monday. Typical Bruno he wants to come to Barcelona and support the team._
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> _“We hope he won’t be too far away. Once he is back with us we will have to assess him._
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> _“I know he has been working incredibly hard on his rehab with physios and doctors. I think he will be in a good place._
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> _“Yeah he is such a big player, by the time the international break has ended we hope we will be active and available._
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> _“He will travel to Barca but not in a playing context.”_
This would see Bruno return for our final seven games of the league season, along with any Champions League quarter-final tie should we knock out Barcelona at the Nou Camp next Wednesday.