The Newcastle United captain faces weeks out with a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for the clash with Sunderland
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes is expected to miss the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland after sustaining a hamstring injury.
The midfielder limped off in the closing stages of Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur - just his second appearance since returning from an ankle problem. Further assessment has revealed the issue is more serious than first hoped, with the Brazilian now facing a spell on the sidelines that is set to rule him out for several weeks.
Head coach Eddie Howe admitted immediately after the game that Guimaraes was concerned by the problem, noting it was not an injury he had previously experienced. The setback represents a significant blow for Newcastle at a crucial stage of the season. Guimaraes has been central to their midfield since arriving in February 2022, both as a leader and as the team’s primary tempo-setter in possession.
Newcastle have failed to win any of the 10 Premier League matches he has missed since making his debut. With Guimaraes in the starting XI, they boast a win percentage of just over 53 per cent in the top flight, averaging 1.8 points per game while scoring 1.9 goals per match and conceding 1.2 on average.
His absence will force Howe into a reshuffle ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock remain available in central midfield, while the club expect Joelinton to return from a groin injury imminently. Lewis Miley is also not thought to be facing a lengthy spell out after picking up a dead leg. However, losing their captain and most influential midfielder ahead of the derby adds a fresh complication for Newcastle United as preparations intensify for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
Reinildo Mandava previews FA Cup clash at Oxford United
Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava has underlined the importance of the FA Cup ahead of the Black Cats’ fourth-round trip to Oxford United on Sunday.
The competition carries deep significance on Wearside. Sunderland have not lifted the trophy since their famous 1973 triumph, though they reached the final in 1992 and the semi-final in 2004. It remains a tournament that stirs genuine emotion among supporters.
Mandava made clear he fully appreciates that history and the scale of the challenge awaiting Le Bris’ side. “Since I was a kid I watched too much Premier League. FA Cup also. I know it’s a big competition so we will give everything. It’s a tough pitch to play there in Oxford. It will be an intense game. But we are ready to fight, just like every day.”
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The Mozambican also revealed that Régis Le Bris has already addressed the squad about the significance of the tie, particularly given Sunderland’s defeat at the same venue last season. “The manager talked and explained to us how important this cup is for us and the club. We know it will be a hard, hard game, but we will take all of our guns to go there and fight.
“Last season we lost there against them. So we have another opportunity to go and show different things and play to win. That’s why we are working every day, we are working to win [the cup]. That’s why I’m telling you that we go there to give everything because we know the importance of this cup for the team and we’ll keep going and fighting until the end.”
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