Newcastle were without their captain against Aston Villa
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. Pic: Iain Buist
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Bruno Guimaraes has spoken out on the hamstring injury that has left the Newcastle United captain 'devastated' as he faces up to a spell on the sidelines.
The Magpies icon has been the driving force in the midfield for Eddie Howe, leading by example on the pitch during a difficult season with eight goals and several assists throughout the campaign.
However, United must find a way to get results without their inspirational leader after it was confirmed the Brazilian's hamstring strain is enough to keep him out for around eight weeks.
Guimaraes picked up the injury in the closing stages of the win over Tottenham Hotspur last Tuesday. A scan has revealed there is damage to his left muscle and he is set to miss potentially 10 games as a result as Newcastle's hectic season picks up more pace.
The 28-year-old took to Instagram to release an emotional message to fans, insisting that the setback - the first major injury of his career - will only make him stronger.
He wrote: "As previously reported, for the first time in 10 years of my career, I will have to spend some time away from the pitch. I’m very saddened, but certain that God knows all things.
"A muscle injury will keep me out for a few weeks, but it will help strengthen me and ensure I’m even more prepared for what lies ahead. Thank you all for the support, messages and concern. See you soon."
The Newcastle captain wasn't finished there, however. Having posted a picture of himself watching the FA Cup tie against Aston Villa from home with a 'Howay the Lads' caption he then launched into an emotional outburst after the hard-fought win which saw United overcome several controversial refereeing decisions.
He said: "So f------- proud of you boys!!!! Even if everything is against us we got the job done!! Love it. We keep going."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had admitted after the win over Aston Villa on Saturday night that his skipper was 'devastated' by the blow. Guimaraes has barely missed a game for Newcastle over the last four years and while he is renowned as a quick healer, the United medical staff will be making sure he doesn't come back too quickly.
"I think he will be (pushing to get back sooner)," Howe said. "But the timeframe will be the timeframe on this one.
"I don't think there's any miracle cure for him. I think it will be a couple of months. You are probably looking at the end of the international break in March for him.
"That is a blow for us. It is a key stage in the season for us, he is devastated but it is what it is."
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