Newcastle United team news ahead of their Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth.
Newcastle United host AFC Bournemouth at St James’ Park as they look to bounce back from consecutive Premier League defeats to Sunderland and Crystal Palace.
Eddie Howe’s side took the lead in both games but lost 2-1, seeing them slip to 14th in the Premier League table with only six matches left to play.
The Magpies’ hopes of qualifying for Europe are hanging by a thread. With that in mind, Howe’s men must beat the Cherries.
Ahead of the game, we take a look at the latest Newcastle team news, with potentially good news on captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes hasn’t featured since the 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur in February due to a hamstring injury, before seeing his return delayed further after contracting mumps.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Yes, there is a chance [he’ll return v Bournemouth]. We've seen him in training. He's pushing really, really hard to be back involved. I think the medical team are trying to hold him back. I say hold him back, but there's always that tug because the player wants desperately to play.
“I love that about Bruno. He always has done. He's desperate to help the team, especially in this moment. So I'll make a decision based on what I see today in training, but there's a possibility.”
Expected return date
AFC Bournemouth (H) 18/04.
Joelinton
The Brazilian will serve a two-match Premier League ban after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season at Palace last weekend.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Disappointing, especially with the deadline today - it being the last game [before it reset]. That’s one for Joey, he plays on the edge, he’s always a fierce competitor.
“He’s overstepped the mark once, he’s got the yellow card. We’ll just have to readjust and reshuffle."
Expected return date
Brighton & Hove Albion (H) 02/05.
Fabian Schar
Schar has been sidelined since the 4-3 victory over Leeds United on January 7 after being forced to undergo ankle surgery. Just as the Swiss defender was nearing a return, he suffered a setback.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Fabian, unfortunately suffered an infection in his foot. He's been in hospital having a very small operation to get that cleaned out so he won't return for around a month, we think. So that's bad news on him.”
Expected return dates
Nottingham Forest (A) 10/05.
Emil Krafth
Krafth picked up a knee injury on international duty with Sweden last November and after months of uncertainty underwent surgery in February.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Emil's had an operation on his knee so I think in all likelihood it looks like the season is over, which is a real blow for us.
“He first suffered the problem on international duty. We hoped that he could come back and be OK, but it was clear in training recently that he wasn't going to get to the level needed and that he needed a surgical intervention.”
Expected return date
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