Newcastle United injuries: Eddie Howe has been handed a double blow ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup trip to Aston Villa - but one key player nears a return.
Eddie Howe’s side ended a run of three straight defeats, which included losing 2-0 to Villa at St James’ Park in the Premier League, with a 2-1 win away to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night.
But the match was not without a negative as instrumental captain Bruno Guimaraes was forced off in the closing stages of the match with a suspected hamstring injury.
Howe told The Gazette after the match: “I'm not sure, [Guimaraes] is a little bit worried. I think that he's not sure [because] he said he's never had a problem with his hamstrings before, so is it cramp? Was it a muscle problem?
“Probably feels more of an injury to me, but let's wait and see.”
Following the match, Guimaraes took to Instagram to post a series of images of himself in action against Spurs along with the caption: “Very happy with the win! This looks much more like what we’re capable of doing. Great character from the team. Once again, I hope it’s nothing too serious and that I can be back soon.”
Guimaraes missed the defeat against Villa last month due to an ankle injury and is likely to miss this weekend’s match as a result of his latest injury blow.
Bruno Guimaraes injury latest
Howe is set to provide a further update on Guimaraes’ injury in his pre-match press conference and will likely confirm the Brazilian’s absence for the trip to Villa.
The midfielder will also be a doubt to face Qarabag in the Champions League in Baku next Wednesday, pending further assessment.
Newcastle are also set to be without 19-year-old Lewis Miley for the next two matches. Miley hasn’t featured since the 1-1 draw at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last month, missing the last four matches with a leg injury.
Although initially cited as a knee issue by Howe, the Newcastle boss has since described the problem as a ‘nasty’ dead leg injury - one that is set to keep the youngster out for at least three weeks in total.
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NUFC star closes in on a return
While Newcastle could be without two key midfielders in their upcoming matches, another is nearing a return.
His groin injury suffered in the league defeat to Aston Villa was played down as not serious with Howe claiming the Brazilian could be back in a matter of weeks.
Saturday’s trip to Villa Park will mark three weeks since the side’s last played and Joelinton suffered his injury.
“He flew onto Barcelona after the game to get an injection into his groin,” Howe said last month. “It was good news. The specialist feels he only needs one.
“That means his return could be quite quick, we're looking at weeks, not months. We're slightly unsure on the exact date but positive news.”
Some supporters have even noted Joelinton’s recent Instagram update showing off his new haircut, jumping to the conclusion that he could return to action as early as Saturday for the televised match on TNT Sports & BBC One.
Newcastle player Joelinton receives treatment for an injury before going off as head coach Eddie Howe (l) looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St James' Park on January 25, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.placeholder image
Newcastle player Joelinton receives treatment for an injury before going off as head coach Eddie Howe (l) looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St James' Park on January 25, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. | Getty Images
Aston Villa fresh injury blow
Villa also have been served a fresh injury issue themselves ahead of the FA Cup clash with right-back Matty Cash a major doubt for the game after not featuring in the 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek.
“He was injured, with a small injury,” Villa head coach Unai Emery said after the game. “I don’t know if he will be available for Saturday. Each day is important for how he is progressing.”
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